ISLAMABAD: After a US-based outlet released what it purported was the infamous ‘cipher’ that all­e­­g­edly played a part in former PM Imran Khan’s ouster, the PTI called for an independent judicial inquiry into the leak.

Published on social media by US-based outlet Drop Site News, which has earlier reported on it, Dawn could not be independently authenticate the document.

In a statement, Mr Khan’s party claimed that the revelation of the purported document had vindicated their party leader’s stance.

It alleged that the leak was clear evidence that an elected PM was removed through foreign pressure and internal facilitation, describing it as violation of democratic principles and a severe blow to Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Calling for an “immediate, independent, and transparent judicial inquiry into the cipher leak and the alleged regime change operation”, the party warned that any attempt to suppress or ignore the matter would cause irreparable damage to the credibility of the state.

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2026