Oversaw US Relations with Pakistan, Faced Allegations by Imran Khan
The US State Department has confirmed the departure of Donald Lu, assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, upon completing his term on January 17, 2025. Lu had been leading the bureau managing US-Pakistan relations since September 15, 2021.
Key Events and Controversies:
- Former PM Imran Khan accused Lu of orchestrating his removal in April 2022, alleging a “foreign conspiracy.”
- The cipher controversy (commonly called “ciphergate”) emerged from Khan’s claims of a US-backed plot against his government.
- Both Lu and the State Department repeatedly denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless conspiracy theories.
Donald Lu’s Career Highlights:
- Lu has over 30 years of diplomatic service, including postings in Kyrgyzstan, Albania, India, and Pakistan.
- He served as a political officer in Peshawar from 1992 to 1994.
