Ex-CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou defies PTI’s apology demand over India-Pakistan war remarks
John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer and whistleblower, has revealed that Pakistan’s political party PTI tried to force him into apologising for controversial remarks. He had stated that India would likely defeat Pakistan in a conventional war. The dispute escalated after he received a formal demand from PTI—and later faced death threats.
Kiriakou spent 15 years at the CIA, where he led counterterrorism efforts in Pakistan following the 9/11 attacks. He played a key role in capturing Abu Zubaydah, a senior al-Qaeda figure, in 2002. Later, in 2007, he became the first CIA insider to publicly confirm the agency’s use of waterboarding, exposing its torture programme. His disclosures led to a 23-month prison sentence, though he has since been recognised with awards for his integrity and authored books on intelligence matters.
The exchange highlights the sensitivity of India-Pakistan military comparisons. Kiriakou’s refusal to apologise leaves the matter unresolved, while the threats against him underscore the risks of speaking openly on such issues. His background as a CIA whistleblower adds further weight to the controversy.
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