John Kiriakou, former senior CIA officer and head of the Counterterrorism Station in Pakistan, has made a startling revelation about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s dealings with the United States and the Pakistani military. His disclosures, now circulating widely in a viral video, shed light on the delicate and complex interactions between Pakistani political leadership, the U.S., and the military. According to Kiriakou, Imran Khan contacted the U.S. prior to making allegations against Washington.
The former Prime Minister reportedly informed the U.S. Ambassador, saying: “I am going to accuse the U.S.; please remain silent.” Kiriakou noted that Khan also sought formal assurances from the U.S. administration that no actions would be taken against him. The American establishment reportedly received Khan’s request positively and treated it seriously. However, Pakistani generals reportedly rejected the U.S. recommendation in Khan’s favor. Kiriakou revealed that Khan even sent a personal message to the Americans, pleading: “Please save me.”
Despite this, the Pakistani military did not act on the U.S. advice. Kiriakou further disclosed that the U.S. had asked socialite Jamima Goldsmith to influence matters in Khan’s favor in Pakistan, but her intervention was also rejected. Commenting on the incident, Kiriakou said, “Pakistani generals no longer listen to us.” The former CIA official emphasized that before initiating any action related to the “cipher case,” Khan had formally briefed the U.S. ambassador and sought approval, ensuring that the U.S. would remain silent while he leveled accusations.
Political Implications This disclosure marks the first time a senior American official has openly discussed such sensitive details of Imran Khan’s interactions with the U.S. and Pakistan’s military. It highlights the delicate balance of power between the Pakistani political leadership, the military, and foreign actors. Kiriakou’s revelations underscore the complexities of U.S.-Pakistan relations and the intricate internal political dynamics in Pakistan.
The former Prime Minister’s request for U.S. protection, coupled with the army’s refusal, reflects the sensitive nature of civil-military relations in Pakistan and could ignite further political debate.
