Foreign Office rebuts claims of pressure on ex-ambassador to US Asad Majeed

• FO rules out editing of communication relating to US official.
• "There was no pressure on ambassador at any time," FO says.
• FO says Amb Majeed to continue his services in Brussels.

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office Monday refuted claims of pressure on ex-ambassador to the United States Asad Majeed, saying that no one pressurised the envoy at any time.

"...there was no pressure of any kind on the ambassador at any time. And there is no possibility of any editing of the communication," FO spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said during his weekly press briefing.

The spokesperson told journalists that the ambassador would continue working as his transfer from Washington to Brussels was part of a routine procedure.

Read more: In NSC meeting, security agencies reiterate 'no foreign conspiracy' against PTI govt

"His agreement has already been received and the appointment notified and he will be proceeding to Brussels accordingly," the spokesperson said.

In response to a question, Iftikhar said the ambassador briefed the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting last week and provided his assessment on the cable — touted as a "threat letter" by ex-prime minister Imran Khan.

The NSC had Friday ruled out a foreign conspiracy behind the ouster of the PTI-led government in a setback to ex-premier Khan's narrative of a "regime change conspiracy".

"The NSC, after examining the contents of the communication, reaffirmed the decision of the last NSC meeting. The NSC was again informed by the premier security agencies that they have found no evidence of any conspiracy," a statement from the PM's Office said.

Read more: Misinformation, propaganda threat to state integrity, says COAS

"Therefore, the NSC, after reviewing the contents of the communication, the assessment received, and the conclusions presented by the security agencies, concludes that there has been no foreign conspiracy."

But Khan has refused to accept that there was no foreign conspiracy, repeatedly blamed the United States for his ouster, refused to accept the newly-elected government, and called on supporters to get ready to march toward Islamabad.