ISLAMABAD: PTI chief Imran Khan and wife Reham Khan have divorced, she confirmed today.
The separation was disclosed earlier today in Islamabad by party spokesman Naeemul Haq.
Haq said the divorce was mutually agreed by both 63-year-old Imran and 42-year-old Reham just eight months after their marriage in January.
They married in a simple ceremony at Imran Khan’s residence at Bani Gala, Islamabad but rumours of a rift have been circulating for several weeks.
Tensions between Imran and Reham had been going on for many months. She had sought an active role in politics whereas PTI leaders did not view it as good for the party. They did not want the stigma of a family running the affairs of PTI as they criticised the PML-N and PPP for it. Imran had announced that she would not play any pivotal role in the party and barred her to take part in political activities.
Yesterday Imran’s visit to his sister Dr Uzma residence in Lahore was an indication that something had happened in the family. Dr Uzma was angry at Imran for not taking her into confidence before marriage. Earlier both the brother and sister were not on speaking terms. Yesterday Imran took two hours from his hectic election campaign schedule to visit her.
He had previously strongly denied any rumours of a rift in the relationship. The news of his divorce one day before the important local bodies election in Punjab may be disturbing news for PTI workers and voters and may have an impact on the PTI’s vote.
