‘Operation Goldsmith’ is baseless and offensive, says Zac Goldsmith in response to Khawaja Asif’s remarks
Zac Goldsmith, brother of Jemima Goldsmith, has strongly criticized Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif over remarks linking him to what Asif termed “Operation Goldsmith,” a supposed plot to support former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Goldsmith, in a tweet, dismissed the claims as baseless and offensive, describing them as an example of antisemitic rhetoric.
This is the actual Defence Minister of Pakistan… ie a grown man.
— Zac Goldsmith (@ZacGoldsmith) December 25, 2024
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.
Looking at the exceedingly long list… https://t.co/3lqpg6bSQ1 pic.twitter.com/LOSZc3gzxb
In his tweet, Goldsmith expressed disbelief at the statement from a senior government official, writing, “This is the actual Defense Minister of Pakistan… a grown man who 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.” He further added that Asif’s conduct did not surprise him given his controversial political history.
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Goldsmith denied any involvement in Pakistan’s politics, stating, “I’ve sadly only visited your beautiful country once. I have never financed any politics of any sort in Pakistan—either directly or indirectly.” He also clarified that while he admired Imran Khan’s honesty, his support for him was moral rather than financial.
In response to Asif’s insinuations about Israeli connections, Goldsmith said, “Clever Mr. Khawaja is hoping you will be confused by my name.”
The controversy extended internationally, with Richard Grenell, a close aide of Donald Trump, criticizing Asif’s remarks. Grenell, in a tweet, called the comments “reckless” and demanded explanations from the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, DC. He also hinted at a review of U.S. aid to Pakistan, stating, “There should be a review of what the U.S. taxpayer provides Pakistan in aid.”
Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, also condemned the statement. He described the Defense Minister’s comments labeling Imran Khan as an “Israeli asset” as “antisemitic nonsense” and “downright farcical,” pointing out that many of Khan’s global advocates are actually critics of Israel.
The controversy stems from a tweet by Khawaja Asif on the social media platform X, where he alleged that recruits of “Operation Goldsmith” were running a campaign against Pakistan’s interests to secure Imran Khan’s release. Asif claimed that these individuals had Israel’s support and were vocal in international media.
آپریشن گولڈ سمتھ کے ریکروٹ جہاں بھی موجود ھیں وہ عمران خان کی نجات کے لئے پاکستان کے مفادات کے خلا ف بھر پور مہم چلا رہے ھیں ۔ ان عناصر کو اسرائیل کی بھر پور حمایت حاصل ھے اور وہ میڈیا میں تواتر کے ساتھ گفتگو کر رہے ھیں۔ جس سے صاف ظاہر ھوتا ھے کہ عمران خان ایک اسرائیلی اثاثہ ھے…
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) December 25, 2024
Asif went further, asserting that Imran Khan was an “Israeli asset” being used to undermine Pakistan as the only Muslim nuclear power. He emphasized that the Pakistani nation prioritizes its sovereignty above all and would protect its interests against foreign influence.
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