ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and founding chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has long presented himself as a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and a staunch opponent of Israel. However, recent revelations about his actions and commitments during his tenure as premier revealed his intentions about Pakistan’s relationship with Israel and the role of the Goldsmith family.
Imran Khan, known for his cricketing fame and previous marriage to Jemima Goldsmith, has been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation regarding his stance on Israel and his political maneuvers.
British journalist Alexandra, while talking to a Pakistani TV channel, highlighted the inherent contradictions in Imran Khan’s public and political life. According to Alexandra, while Khan has cultivated an image of a sincere Muslim leader adhering to traditional Pakistani values, his political actions and international relations have sometimes diverged from this portrayal.
Alexandra pointed out that Khan’s efforts to maintain a positive image among the Pakistani diaspora and international audiences often conflict with his past as a playboy cricketer and his relationship with the Goldsmith family, known for their connections to Jewish and pro-Israel circles.
Alexandra further discussed the potential implications of Khan’s alleged shifts in stance towards Israel. The journalist said that Khan’s actions during his tenure as Prime Minister, which included behind-the-scenes diplomacy and pragmatic foreign policy, indicated a possible willingness to reassess Pakistan’s traditionally adversarial position towards Israel.
This notion is supported by a recent article in the Times of Israel, which details Khan’s efforts to balance public rhetoric with private diplomatic engagements.
The Times of Israel article, published on September 4, revealed that Khan’s tenure was marked by a pragmatic approach to foreign relations, including potential overtures to Israel. The article stated that Khan’s close ties with the Goldsmith family, particularly his ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith, could have influenced his perspective on Israel.
The article claimed that there have been reports suggesting that Imran Khan sent messages to Israeli officials through the Goldsmith family, signaling a potential willingness to consider normalizing relations between Pakistan and Israel. “If these reports are accurate, they suggest a level of flexibility in Khan’s approach to Israel that goes beyond the traditional Pakistani stance,” the article stated.
The article stated, “Israel and its allies must do whatever they can to ensure that Imran Khan is free again to participate in Pakistani politics.”
These revelations have sparked a vigorous debate within Pakistan and among international observers. Senior Pakistani journalist Mubashir Luqman has claimed that the Times of Israel article reflects a broader conspiracy involving Israeli interests and the Goldsmith family.
Luqman alleged that Israeli government agents are actively working to secure Imran Khan’s release from jail and to enhance his popularity, suggesting that this is part of a larger strategy to reshape Pakistan’s stance on Israel. He also revealed the involvement of the Goldsmith family in supporting Khan. He claimed that the Goldsmith family is a strong supporter of Israel and provided extensive financial support to Israel in its bombardments against Palestinians in Gaza.
Mubashir Luqman recalled Imran Khan’s past support for Zac Goldsmith in the London mayoral election against Sadiq Khan, a Pakistani-origin Muslim, linking this support to broader pro-Israel agendas.
Mubashir Luqman said that the Times of Israel’s article exposed troubling details about Khan, alleging that the former leader’s connections and actions are deeply intertwined with Israeli interests.
Luqman claimed that Israeli government agents are currently working to secure Khan’s release from jail and restore his political influence. He argued that the Goldsmith family, known for their pro-Israel stance, is actively involved in bolstering Khan’s popularity in Pakistan.
According to Luqman, the Goldsmith family is not only supporting Khan financially but also using their influence to publish his articles and hire lobbyists on his behalf.
Luqman further criticized the Goldsmith family’s involvement in the Oxford University Chancellor election, suggesting that their efforts are aimed at promoting Khan’s candidacy. He referred to the Times of Israel article’s claims that Khan was open to reassessing Pakistan’s relations with Israel during his tenure as Prime Minister.
He condemned the Israeli government’s actions, particularly in light of recent conflicts in Gaza, where more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, and numerous schools, mosques, and churches have been bombed.
Luqman warned that if Khan were to return to power, it could potentially neutralize Pakistan’s stance as the only nuclear Muslim country opposed to Israel. He characterized the current situation as a significant conspiracy against Pakistan and called for exposing Khan’s actions to the public.
