A significant development has emerged in the ongoing cipher case involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as a recorded statement from former Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood sheds light on internal government discussions regarding the controversial diplomatic cable central to the issue.
Presented before the Official Secrets Act special court on January 22, Mahmood’s statement provides crucial insights into the government’s handling of the cipher telegram. He revealed that on April 8, 2022, he participated in a cabinet meeting focused on its classification, where he briefed the attendees about the declassification process for cipher telegrams. He stressed the importance of adhering to strict security guidelines limiting access to authorized personnel only and emphasized the unprecedented nature of declassifying such a telegram, as well as its potential ramifications for diplomatic relations, particularly with the United States and other nations, as well as financial institutions.
Mahmood expressed his consistent advice to the PTI cabinet regarding the sensitivity of the matter, urging caution and advocating for continued dialogue with the US while avoiding public discord. He recounted a telephonic conversation on March 8, 2022, with the Pakistani ambassador in Washington, who highlighted the sensitivity of the issue and sent a cipher telegram regarding discussions with the US Secretary of State for South and Central Asia to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The former foreign secretary revealed receiving an internal note on March 28, 2022, expressing American authorities’ concern over a public statement made by the former prime minister. He promptly forwarded the note to the then foreign minister, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ties with the US.
On March 29, 2022, Mahmood recalled an impromptu meeting at Bani Gala, attended by the former prime minister, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and Azam Khan. During this meeting, he read the cipher upon request, which prompted discussions on the conversation between the US assistant secretary of state and the Pakistani ambassador. Notably, Mahmood clarified that he was not tasked with preparing minutes for this meeting.
In light of these discussions, the cabinet opted for an in-camera briefing in parliament, focusing on the cipher’s significance and key points without compromising its classified nature. Importantly, Mahmood confirmed that the original copy of the cipher remained unrecovered from the Prime Minister’s Office even after his retirement in September 2022.
This revelation adds complexity to the ongoing saga surrounding Imran Khan’s disclosure of the cipher and his allegations of a foreign conspiracy against his government. Mahmood’s statement underscores concerns regarding the handling of sensitive diplomatic information and its potential consequences.
