‘Monitoring the situation’: US says after Imran Khan’s removal

Washington: The US State Department has reacted to the ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a successful no-confidence motion.

In a brief statement, the State Department spokesperson said they are monitoring the political situation evolving in Pakistan.

All political parties should uphold the constitution and the rule of law, the statement reads.

“We expect all political parties to follow democratic norms and ensure good governance in Pakistan.”

This is the second statement from the State Department in two days on the political situation which evolved after Khan accused the US of orchestrating a conspiracy to overthrow his government.

On Friday, the Department’s Principal Deputy Spokeswoman Jalina Porter rejected Khan’s claim that the no-confidence motion against him is a ‘regime change attempt’ from the US.

“Let me just say very bluntly there is absolutely no truth to these allegations. Of course, we continue to follow these developments, and we respect and support Pakistan’s constitutional process and rule of law,” she added.

Former PM Khan, in his address to the nation Friday, once again brought up the diplomatic communique at the heart of the alleged “foreign conspiracy” behind the no-confidence motion.

He said that Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington met with an American official, who told the ambassador that if Imran Khan survived the motion, Pakistan will face consequences and if he is ousted the United States will “forgive” the country.

Earlier this month, State Department and the White House spokespersons separately said that there is “no truth” in the allegations levelled by the Khan.”

The document under discussion is a diplomatic cable sent by Pakistan’s then Ambassador to the US Asad Majeed who informed the foreign office of his discussion with a State Department official.

The document first came to light after the former prime minister took out a paper from his pocket while addressing a rally Match 27 at Islamabad’s Parade Ground.

He claimed that the document is a “threat letter” that his government has received from outside the country. He linked the no-confidence motion presented by the opposition to this threat, calling it a conspiracy to topple his government because of his visit to Russia.