Pakistan rejects ousted PM Khan’s accusation that U.S. conspired to topple him

Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gestures as he addresses supporters throughout a rally, in Karachi, Pakistan April 16, 2022. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro

ISLAMABAD, April 22 (Reuters) – Pakistan’s Nationwide Safety Council, a physique of high civil and army leaders, on Friday rejected ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan’s accusations that United States had conspired to topple his authorities by means of a parliamentary vote of confidence.

Khan, 69, who led the nuclear-armed South Asian nation of 220 million individuals for 3 and a half years, had accused Washington of backing a conspiracy to take away him.

He had stated that he visited Moscow towards U.S. recommendation. learn extra Washington denies the cost.

Asad Majeed, former Pakistan ambassador to the US who had written a cable to Islamabad about Washington’s tackle Khan’s Moscow go to, briefed the civil and army leaders on a discussion board referred to as Nationwide Safety Committee (NSC).

“The NSC after reviewing the contents of the communication, the evaluation acquired, and the conclusion offered by the safety companies, concludes that there was no conspiracy,” a press release from the workplace of latest Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated.

It stated the nation’s premier spy companies knowledgeable the NSC that they discovered no proof to assist any conspiracy principle.

Khan’s Pakistan Tehrek-e-Insaf (PTI) get together demanded a judicial probe into the matter.

The ousted chief met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 24, the day Russian forces invaded neighbouring Ukraine.

Khan initially blocked the no-confidence transfer, saying the NSC had endorsed the alleged conspiracy.

Opposition events and analysts have stated the army helped Khan win election in 2018, which they each deny, however that the assist waned after a falling-out over the appointment of the nation’s subsequent intelligence chief late final yr.

Khan has aired his conspiracy allegations in three large public rallies he has held since he was ousted. He has demanded snap elections. learn extra

The subsequent parliamentary election is due in 2023.

Reporting by Asif Shahzad
Enhancing by Invoice Berkrot

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