Jemima Goldsmith has made a rare public statement regarding receiving rape threats as she intervenes in the case of her ex-husband, Imran Khan, who has been jailed. The film producer, who was married to Mr Khan from 1995 to 2004 and shares two sons with him, both British citizens, has expressed her concerns over the treatment of the former prime minister in Pakistan. She has criticised the actions of the Shehbaz Sharif government, alleging that Mr Khan’s access to legal representation and family visitations has been restricted, with reports of electricity being cut off to his cell.
Since his sentencing to a three-year jail term on corruption charges in 2023, Mr Khan has been held at Adilala Jail in Rawalpindi, amid what his party claims are politically motivated accusations. Ms Goldsmith took to social media to voice her worries, detailing the challenges she has faced in speaking out due to intimidation from Pakistan’s ruling party, including threats and harassment. Prison authorities have allegedly prevented Mr Khan from contacting his sons in London and have isolated him in solitary confinement.
Amidst an ongoing two-day SCO summit in Islamabad, where Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar participated, Ms Goldsmith’s public outcry coincided with arrests of Mr Khan’s supporters and members of his party who protested for his release. She accused the Pakistani government of silencing Mr Khan’s family members and suppressing political opposition. Concerns over Mr Khan’s treatment have also been echoed by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and a UN human rights panel, which called for his immediate release citing violations of international laws.
While Ms Goldsmith acknowledges her political disagreements with Mr Khan, she emphasises that her current advocacy is centered on his human rights and international law. The former prime minister, barred from seeking political office, has faced accusations of inciting violence and engaging in treason. Pakistan’s government denies claims of arbitrary detention, as it seeks to ban the PTI party and condemn Mr Khan’s actions during his tenure. Despite the complexities of the political situation, Ms Goldsmith strives to raise awareness about the circumstances in Pakistan for the sake of her children’s father.