'Disappearance ruled out': Foreign Office clarifies US cypher 'safe and secure'

Islamabad: The master copy of the US cypher -- a copy of which has apparently disappeared from the Prime Minister's Office -- was "safe and secure", the Foreign Office clarified Friday.

The statement just came after the federal cabinet had constituted a committee last month to probe the diplomatic cypher that said to be had been “stolen” from the records of the PM House.

PTI chairman Imran Khan also expressed ignorance about the document's location.

The foreign ministry's spokesperson, Asim Iftikhar told a weekly press briefing that it was very evident that these documents were handled, and were present in the Foreign Ministry, in a proper, safe and secure situation.

The recent audio leaks revealing secret communication among the PTI chief and his party members regarding the US cypher have sparked a fresh controversy over the burning issue that has already dragged the counrty to a political choas. 

To a question about Pakistan's relations with other countries due to the ongoing political situation, the spokesperson rebutted reports of Islamabad's ties deteriorating with global powers and friendly countries.

"I think you would have noticed the conduct of foreign policy, the way the engagements are taking place -- with the major powers, with the region, with our traditional partners, and also beyond, regions with which we want to enhance our cooperation and partnership," he said.

The FO's spokesman said it is very evident that there is a "positive, forward movement"; there is improvement and further strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation with a host of countries.