Murad Saeed Reveals Details of Cipher Controversy and Cabinet Differences in New Book
**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):** Former federal minister Murad Saeed has shared his account of internal cabinet discussions regarding the cipher controversy and the political pressures faced by former prime minister Imran Khan in his newly published book.
In the book, Murad Saeed describes sharp differences within the cabinet over decisions related to the cipher and its declassification. He recounts telling the prime minister that he had earlier warned him about being misled, adding that the cabinet should stand firm on its decision. According to Saeed, Shafqat Mahmood expressed concerns about possible contempt of court proceedings.
Saeed further writes that former principal secretary Azam Khan argued that Article 6 and contempt charges could not be applied to the prime minister and cabinet if the Speaker had already ruled that the cipher required investigation. He maintained that the cabinet had the authority to declassify the document.
According to the account, Asad Umar suggested that the matter should be handled according to the prevailing situation, saying there were limited options available. Fawad Chaudhry reportedly supported this stance, while Shehbaz Gill sided with Murad Saeed, insisting that the cabinet should remain steadfast.
کس کس کو یہ واقعہ یاد ہے جب اسد عمر اور فواد چوہدری پریس کانفرنس میں بول رہے تھے بعد میں جب شہباز گل بولنے لگے تو یہ دونوں ان کو اگنور کر کے چلے گیے
اس وقت تو بات سمجھ نہیں آئ تھی لیکن آج مراد سعید کی کتاب کے اس صفحے نے سب کچھ سمجھادیا۔ @SHABAZGIL pic.twitter.com/ZBLbkpk2uS— Sarah Naeem Khan (@sarah_naeem01) March 3, 2026
Murad Saeed claims tensions escalated during the meeting, with heated exchanges taking place among senior members. He writes that warnings of serious consequences and possible application of Article 6 were discussed. Amid the pressure, Imran Khan is quoted as saying he agreed with Murad Saeed’s position but acknowledged the intense pressure being faced.
The book portrays the former prime minister as feeling politically isolated during the crisis, with Saeed quoting him as saying, “Can’t you see, Murad, I am alone.”
The revelations have once again brought the cipher controversy and internal cabinet dynamics into public debate.
