KARACHI: It seems as though politicians in Pakistan are willing to stoop down to any level to get a one up on their opponents and that includes targeting ex-wives and children
. Jemima Goldsmith recently became the target for anti-PTI sentiments. Eventually, she took to Twitter to vent her anger and frustration over the protests that are to be staged by PMLN outside her house in London.
PMLN-UK announces protest outside Jemima Goldsmith’s house on Sunday in response to PTI leadership arranging protest outside flats of Nawaz Sharif’s sons on Park Lane. Clashes had broken out during last weekend’s protest by PTI. London police heavily engaged as Pakistanis clash.
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) April 13, 2022
A few days ago, PMLN announced that in retaliation to PTI supporters protesting outside Nawaz Sharif’s residence in London, they would do the same outside of Jemima Goldsmith’s house, simply because she is Imran Khan’s ex-wife. Goldsmith took to Twitter to share a picture of the poster and wrote, “It’s almost like I’m back in 90s Lahore.”
Protests outside my house, targeting my children, antisemitic abuse on social media…. It’s almost like I’m back in 90s Lahore. #PuranaPakistan pic.twitter.com/0R2YOPcQrJ
— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) April 15, 2022
Goldsmith also responded to journalist Hamid Mir to remind him that both, she and her children, are far removed from PTI and Pakistani politics as a whole. So much so that her children do not even have social media profiles.
With respect, The difference is that I have got nothing to do with Pakistani politics and neither have my children. They are low- key private individuals who are not even on social media. https://t.co/REB4u5ncqa
— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) April 15, 2022
Hamid Mir, however, defended his stance drawing a comparison between Goldsmith and Maryam Nawaz, questioning why she does not condemn harassment of women. He also dragged Goldsmith’s brother into the discourse.
You are right but there are ladies in the family of @NawazSharifMNS who have nothing to do with politics but they face abuses everyday, at least you should condemn harassment of women. Secondly your brother @ZacGoldsmith is interfering in Pakistani politics he should stay away. https://t.co/4aDM685XAu
— Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) April 15, 2022
To which Goldsmith reiterated that be it her ex-husband or her brother, she has nothing to do with their politics.
Again, with respect- I am not responsible for the political actions &/or statements of my ex husband or my brother.
— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) April 15, 2022
Goldsmith also took the opportunity to talk about how this protest which included posting her home address online breached her safety especially since she has had to deal with her fair share of stalkers and has restraining orders set against individuals.
Especially as I have an ongoing problem with stalkers (one arrested at my work place last week and another who breached his restraining order & is being tried in a few weeks)
— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) April 15, 2022
Journalist Murtaza Ali Shah, however, continued to delve into Goldsmith’s past despite her concerns. He dug up some of her older Tweets and shared videos of her sons whom she shares with Imran Khan.
Khan and Goldsmith were married in 1995 and eventually got divorced in 2004. She had to endure her fair share of hate during her marriage to the former Prime Minister which many speculate was one of the reasons for their divorce.