London [UK]: After its Foreign Office Minister Lord Zac Goldsmith tweetedin support of ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khanlink>,the UK government has distanced itself from his stance saying thatGoldsmith’s remarks did not represent the UK government’s position.
“Sad to see last night’s events in Pakistan. Imran Khan is a good anddecent man, one of the least corruptible politicians on the world stage. Ihave no doubt he will be returned with a big majority in the upcomingelections,” Goldsmith tweeted, reported the News International.
Lord Zac Goldsmith, whose elder sister Jemima Goldsmith was once married toImran Khan – said he was “sad” at the developments in Pakistan.
Downing Street was asked whether Lord Goldsmith, who is Foreign Officeminister for the Pacific and the international environment, was speaking onbehalf of the government. While replying to the question over Goldsmith’stweet, a spokesperson responded, “With regard to Pakistan, we respectPakistan’s democratic system and we would not get into its domesticpolitical affairs. We have longstanding ties with Pakistan and aremonitoring developments.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s deputy spokesperson said the UK would notget involved in Pakistan’s domestic affairs, adding: “We respect Pakistan’spolitical system.”Zac and Jemima Goldsmith’s brother Ben Goldsmith also announced support forImran Khan on Twitter following Khan’s ouster.
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He said: “My brother-in-law @ImranKhanPTI is a good and honourable man,motivated only by a strong desire to do good for his country. His record asPM is exceptional, most of all on the biggest issue of our time: Pakistanunder Imran is now a world leader on environmental restoration.”
The tweet was deleted after Goldsmith was accused of breaking the officialprotocol. It’s understood the UK government had forced Zac Goldsmith todelete his tweet, reported the News International.
