Downing Street slaps down Zac Goldsmith for interfering in Pakistan politics

April 12, 2022

Foreign Office minister Lord Zack Goldsmith. Photo: AFP

LONDON: The British government has distanced itself from Foreign Office minister Lord Zack Goldsmith after he tweeted in support for ousted prime minister Imran Khan.

British media reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office has slapped down Foreign Office minister Lord Goldsmith after he intervened in Pakistani politics over the ousting of Imran Khan as Pakistan’s prime minister through a vote of no-confidence.

Downing Street was asked whether Lord Goldsmith, who is Foreign Office minister for the Pacific and the international environment, was speaking on behalf of the government.

A spokesperson responded: “With regard to Pakistan, we respect Pakistan’s democratic system and we would not get into its domestic political affairs. We have longstanding ties with Pakistan and are monitoring developments.” The 10 Downing Street spokesperson was unable to say whether Lord Goldsmith would be told to take down his tweet or make clear it was issued in a personal capacity.

Lord Zac Goldsmith - whose elder sister Jemima Goldsmith was once married to Imran Khan - said he was “sad” at the developments in Pakistan. Zac Goldsmith said: “Imran Khan is a good and decent man, one of the least corruptible politicians on the world stage. I have no doubt he will be returned with a big majority in the upcoming elections.