Zac Goldsmith, the British politician and brother of Imran Khan’s first wife Jemima, has come out in support of Imran Khan following claims made by Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif.
Asif accused Goldsmith of being involved in a supposed “Operation Goldsmith” aimed at securing Khan’s release, with alleged backing from Israeli forces. Goldsmith swiftly dismissed the accusation as unfounded and absurd, strongly condemning Asif’s remarks.
In a sharp tweet, Goldsmith slammed Asif’s accusation, calling it unfounded and “absurd.” He questioned the Pakistani minister’s remarks, stating that Asif had fabricated the idea of “Operation Goldsmith” and implied a connection to Jewish interests.
“This is the actual Defence Minister of Pakistan… a grown man. He has invented something called ‘Operation Goldsmith,’ which apparently is in the business of recruiting people… I’m not sure what for, but it sounds awful and VERY Jewish,” Goldsmith said.
Goldsmith further clarified that he had only visited Pakistan once and had never financially supported political activities there. He also praised Imran Khan for his honesty.
Khawaja Asif’s claims sparked criticism from other international figures as well. Richard Grenell, a close ally of Donald Trump, expressed concern over Asif’s comments, calling them reckless and urging a review of US financial support to Pakistan.
In his original tweet, Asif had suggested that those involved in “Operation Goldsmith” were working to free Imran Khan with full Israeli backing. He even labeled Khan an “Israeli asset” and warned that the West should recognize Pakistan’s commitment to defending its interests as a nuclear power.
