In an article published in a leading Israeli newspaper, Times of Israel, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was declared as the most suitable person to boost ties between Israel and Pakistan.
The blog was written by Ayunur Bashirova, an Israeli columnist and was published by the Times of Israel. She credited four aspects being instrumental in the normalisation of ties between the two countries: Imran Khan’s public stance, the influence of the Goldsmith family and other elites, the potential for mediation, and lastly a rapidly changing Middle East.
The article cited Khan’s foreign policy during his tenure as Prime Minister and emphasised his personal relations with influential pro-Israel figures, including his former in-laws, the Goldsmith family.
It also pointed out that Imran Khan’s connection to his ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith, and her family, particularly his brother-in-law Zac Goldsmith, plays a significant role in shaping his perspective on Israel.
Zac Goldsmith, a prominent figure in pro-Israel and Jewish circles, is said to have influenced Imran Khan’s views on the matter, making him more open to reconsidering Pakistan’s stance towards Israel.
The blog also claimed there were informal messages conveyed to Israel through the Goldsmith family, stressing a potential of normalising ties between the two countries.
“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 and his willingness to moderate the religious discourse in Pakistan,” the writer argued while suggesting, “If these reports are accurate, they suggest a level of flexibility in Khan’s approach to Israel that goes beyond the traditional Pakistani stance.”
Notably, aligned with the larger Pakistan’s foreign policy stance, Imran Khan has always stated support for the Palestinian cause but the article suggested that Israel should make sure that the former prime minister is free again. “Israel and its allies must do whatever they can to insure that Imran Khan is free again to participate in Pakistani politics and be the voice that channels moderation,” Aynur concluded.
Reactions poured in, as many criticised the columnist for producing a shallow analysis. Journalist Mansoor Ali Khan lambasted the writer and the Pakistani audience for getting so much attention from the PML-N fanbase and local media. “She should be given a prime-time show on TV,” he remarked sarcastically.
A netizen by the name of Riaz Zia-ul-Haq criticised Pakistani TV channels for giving a random blog so much attention as he posted, “A random blogger on Times of Israel writes something rubbish based on anonymous reports and TV channels are being forced to go gaga.”
On the other hand, a user named Ayesha Ijaz Khan, who is a lawyer and columnist, also criticised Khan for not uttering a word in support of Palestine since he is in jail, implying his connection with Goldsmiths.
