Donald Lu Concludes Term as Assistant Secretary of State
WASHINGTON: The US State Department has officially confirmed the conclusion of Donald Lu’s tenure as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, effective January 17, 2025.
The announcement clarified that Lu’s departure was due to the natural end of his term, rather than dismissal. While the development may be celebrated by PTI supporters, the current Pakistani government is likely to regard it as a routine transition.
Lu’s tenure coincided with a turbulent political period in Pakistan, where he became a central figure in the political discourse surrounding former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the country’s military leadership, and the current administration in Islamabad.
A brief statement on the State Department’s website confirmed, “Mr. Lu’s term ended on January 17, 2025.”
During his term, Lu managed US relations with Pakistan and other South and Central Asian nations since his appointment on September 15, 2021. Before this role, he served as the US Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan (2018-2021) and Albania (2015-2018).
Lu’s involvement in Pakistan’s politics drew significant attention in March 2022, when Imran Khan alleged that the United States orchestrated a “foreign conspiracy” to remove him from power. Khan specifically accused Lu of participating in efforts to destabilize his government, citing a conversation between Lu and Pakistan’s then-ambassador to the US, Asad Majeed Khan, as evidence.
This conversation, reportedly documented in a diplomatic cable referred to as the “Cipher,” became the foundation of Khan’s narrative of foreign interference. The cable allegedly detailed a meeting between Lu and Majeed, which Khan claimed revealed US attempts to orchestrate his removal.
In response, PTI supporters in the US demanded Lu’s resignation, accusing him of spearheading efforts to unseat Khan. The issue gained traction at PTI rallies across the United States, escalating political pressure on Washington.
Despite these allegations, the US government consistently denied any involvement, dismissing the claims as unfounded.
While PTI may perceive Lu’s departure as a symbolic victory, US media reports suggest that the incoming Trump administration has requested the resignation of all senior State Department officials, including assistant secretaries. This move signals the administration’s intent to install officials aligned with President Trump’s agenda.
Lu’s term will likely be remembered as a pivotal chapter in Pakistan’s ongoing political saga, often referred to as “Cipher Gate,” which centers on the controversial cable that allegedly documented foreign interference in the country’s politics.
