Imran’s 10 month marriage ends in divorce

Nearly 10 months after Imran Khan tied the knot with TV journalist Reham, his second marriage has ended in divorce amid reports that the Pakistani cricket legend-turned-politician objected to her meddling in politics.

62-year-old Imran’s marriage to 42-year-old Reham was his second after his first marriage with English heiress Jemima Goldsmith for nine years ended in divorce in June, 2004. Imran and Jemima have two sons from their marriage.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran and Reham Khan have divorced with mutual consent, PTI spokesperson Naeemul Haq said.

“Yes, I can confirm the divorce. Everything has been settled between the two,” he said.

Soon after news of his divorce with Reham broke, Imran tweeted, “This is a painful time for me & Reham & our families. I would request everyone to respect our privacy.” 

“I have the greatest respect for Reham’s moral character & her passion to work for & help the underprivileged,” he said.

“Reports & speculation about financial settlements are absolutely false and shameful,” he added. In a tweet, Reham said she and Imran had decided to part ways.

Haq said that due to the sensitivity of the matter, the media should refrain from speculation and there would be no further comments on the issue.

Haq refused to give reasons for the divorce but according to Imran’s close associates he was not happy with Reham meddling in political affairs.

Imran’s divorce with Reham has not come as a surprise since rumours of troubles in their marriage had been doing the rounds for some time and they were reportedly living apart.

Sources aware of the development said the main issues between the two were Reham’s keenness to get involved in party matters and her disliking for Jemima who remains in touch with Imran because of their sons and takes keen interest in his political career and matters related to the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital.

A source said Reham wanted to get involved in politics and Imran was facing resistance on this front from his close aides in the party. “The family of Imran, particularly his sister who is close to him were also never happy with the second marriage,” the source said. It was also Reham’s second marriage. Reham once worked for BBC and also hosts a talk show on a local television.