PHOTO: REUTERS
According to Daily Mail, Imran has confirmed the British tabloid’s earlier reports of his marriage to Reham Khan, a journalist who formerly presented the weather on the BBC.
Speaking to reporters at Heathrow airport last night before boarding a flight, Imran is reported to have said: “I am going to Pakistan to share good news about my marriage with the nation. I have nothing to hide.”
The 62-year-old politician, who divorced heiress Jemima Goldsmith in 2004, has wed 41-year-old divorced mother-of-three against the wishes of his party and family.
Upon arrival in Islamabad, the PTI chairman reiterated that he would share 'good news' with the nation soon but did not confirm whether he had already tied the knot with Reham Khan.
“Marriage is not a crime. I will share good news with the nation next week,” Imran said, while addressing the media at his residence in Bani Gala.
Regarding earlier reports of his marriage which he had branded as “greatly exaggerated,” the PTI chairman said he did not want to make any announcements regarding his marriage without meeting his two sons.
“When you have kids from your first marriage, they are your biggest priority. My kids happiness comes before my happiness,” said Imran, adding that his children had already suffered a lot due to his divorce with Jemima Khan.
The announcement comes after Imran returned from London earlier today after meeting his children.
Imran’s sister Aleema had earlier branded the reports of marriage lies, saying they had been concocted by his opposition.
“This is the only way the opposition know how to attack him. These are the tactics they would stoop to. It’s out of control. I guess that is politics,” she told the tabloid.
Asked if her brother is in a secret relationship with the TV broadcaster, she said: ‘It’s a confusing signal to everyone who follows him [but] we asked him if he was married and he said no. I don’t know if he is in a relationship. We just asked him if he was married.’
Jemima felicitates Imran on his second marriage
Reacting to news of Imran’s second marriage, his ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith tweeted on Tuesday that, “I hope Imran will be happy in this new phase of his life.”
(cont) ...And I hope Imran will be happy in this new phase of his life.
— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) January 6, 2015
She thanked the Pakistanis who had sent her messages of support, adding that the she felt like an honourary citizen of Pakistan owing to the love shown by the people.
"I'll always love Pakistan. Thanks to my sons & the love I've been shown there, I'll always feel like an honorary Pakistani, no matter what."
Earlier in October, responding to Imran’s decision to remarry, the cricket legend’s ex-wife revealed she planned to ditch the surname ‘Khan.’
“My ex-husband, Imran, recently announced that he intended to get remarried soon, which made me think it’s probably time to change my name back to Goldsmith,” said the 40-year-old daughter of the late billionaire Sir James Goldsmith and his widow, Lady Annabel.
COMMENTS (72)
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ya Allah Reham! prayers heard.. :)
What the heck? Priorities Mr Khan!! We were all rooting for your cause, and we prioritised that over everything else, sacrificing normality for participating in your Dharnas and strike calls … seems you have done everything except give us Naya pakistan and a better KPK. Nothing wrong with getting married but there was a better and more honourable way to manage it and it shouldn’t be just shoved in our faces when we have so much more to worry about!! You don’t seem to realize how much people look(ed) up to you – seriously I feel all those fights we did on your behalf were worthless.
I have no issue of Imrans khans marriage whatsoever that it is with Reham Khan.
My issue is all this is happened during Dharna. Where he has made all this Azaadi march life and death issue. People did die as a direct result of this movement. Loss of Billions of rupees occurred and many human lives were also lost. The rhetoric from Imran Khan was he will die but he will not go back.
And during all this he was engaged in full time romance with Reham Khan. That is my issue.
@Dija: He has the right to hide his personal life. He ruined his first marriage for Pakistan's politics. Who says he doesn't have the right to have someone right now? Stop politicizing this, and let our leader LIVE.
@nationempowered: @Disappointed IK supporter:
You're of course entitled to your opinion.....but..
I’m not disappointed. The question I ask, is did the marriage (or impending marriage), change the goals or message of PTI in any way? OR, was IK distracted from the dharnas and jalsas?
So far, I can’t see that it did, so I will continue to support PTI. IK and PTI held dharna for 100+ days and organised massive jalsas during that time as well. I can’t remember a single day where IK was not on the container giving his speech or attending a jalsa. I’m starting to wonder where he got time for this romance!
@raider : I did not mean that he cannot pursue his personal life but try to understand that from August 2014 the Nation was following his statements and advises; the environment was quite serious and there was a feeling to accomplish something big for the Nation-people who constantly attended the Dharna sacrificed their personal agendas over the faith of the Nation; young people lost their lives while attending the Jalsas at Multan and elsewhere-under such a serious situation IK could have delayed his decision of getting married just the way others had prioritized their personal agendas over the Dharna. You should not expect me to believe that they (IK & Reham) were not meeting up since August 2014-is that a correct approach that at one corner people have gathered for a serious cause whereas on the other hand Mr Khan attends the Dharna but later disappears for perusing his love affair - this all sound quite immature; he had already waited for ten years; another six months would not have done him a harm but immediately after calling off the Dharna declaring a marriage does not sound inappropriate and depicts quite an immature state of mind. His supporters are indeed disappointed and again I would say this marriage could have waited (I am not saying that he should NOT have married but not at this stage)....seems weird that at one point you come with a matured outlook and on other hand having fun and hanging around with a girl during the Dharna....just sound inappropriate!!!
Very very disappointed....I held IK on a pedestal given his passion and love for this nation & what he was trying to achieve....just can't believe that in all this he had the time to pursue romance....here people died for him, the nation is passing through the worse time ever and at this critical juncture IK goes about pursuing his love interest....this coming from someone who said it would not be wise to marry at his age and if for the nation I have to sacrifice my marriage I would....well now we know what sacrifice he made...for those who equate him with Quaid plz stop its an insult to the poor Quaid who actually made sacrifices and who didnot have time to even consider a marriage (we know how he put the cause of nation above his ONE love) leave alone enter one at a time of crisis. Then to hide it wow...well Mr. Khan Reham has stumped you and given her obvious aspirations and nature will stump you further....feel sorry for Jemima who actually made sacrifices and poor thing faced all kinds of nonsense at a time when IK was a nobody...suddenly we have pretty pink shoes walk in and take all the glory...well I for one, a die hard IK & PTI supporter is no more and he's lost my vote...I'm just looking upto Mr. Raheel Sharif who seems the only one serious about the plight of this nation...the rest are all the same...one last thing Mr. Khan please donot use 'Sunnat-e-Risalat'...nobody said you did wrong...the issue is that given what you drove this nation to at such a time to actually find out that you had all the time in that box pursuing a romance and then hiding it at this critical time makes one wonder how serious and focused you are on saving this nation and thats it....
While Rome burnt, Nero fiddled; this man could not wait for fourty days to pass after the massacre of military children? What sort of culture Punjabis practice in the country now?
Rex Minor
maybe bad timing?
While preaching his supporters to sacrifice time, money and personal comfort and promising them no retreat till a Naya Pakistan is "acquired" he has again lied to all of us. There is nothing wrong with him getting married but denying it, and the timing is in very poor taste. After all what do you expect from a politician who takes dictation from the establishment and his best alliance with another great liar, Mr. Tahir-ul-Qadri.
Please stop calling Reshem khan, first lady of Pakistan. Imran khan will never become the prime minster of Pakistan. We don't want another lair and a hypocrite to ruin the country. Pakistan has actually been saved!! Thank god!!
Oye Hoayyy!!!!
It is an entirely personal matter ,love can strike any body, one is only human after all and it is not a sin to marry
Not disclosing his marriage doesn't make him a liar. Rigging the election and saying they were fair is lying. Here the country is at stake. In a marriage two people are concerned and its none of your business.
now political stability will increase and dharnas strikes will not be there hence nation will develop rapidly under nawaz rule.....so thank you reham khan and keep the dharna master busy with your charm and give nawaz(the only true and wise leader) the chance of making a developed nation ......
IF it is true then he proved himself to be a liar yet again . And it shows that he has now given up on his Naya Pakistan as he promised that he will re marry only when Naya pakistn is in place . But at the same time he has every right to marry whomeso ever he chooses . Be happy my ex-hero(Yes I voted for his party) . That will make my Pakistan also less frustrated by not constantly listening to your depressing frustarting speaches .
People forgot that Imran is a highly coveted Playboy and not a Pakistani thug Politician or Clergy who are full of lies and deceit. The whole system is sick and rotten.
Reham is a very charming and modern lady and not any desi Auntie with dandaasa rubbed red gums! Hopefully she doesn't get quickly fed up in Pakistan, I have the impression, nobody is welcoming her. I wish Imran and Reham a very romantic Honeymoon!
@Rex Minor: In all seriousness, this looks more like a project conceived and executed by SM Qureshi!!! Think about it; when IK starts looking below-par as a politician, who gets to benefit from this situation most? Of course, its SMQ, who has been waiting in the wings to ditch IK, and take over the chairmanship!
"The Captain is not always expected to make right decision but he is expected to make decisions". This is purely his personal one....and basic right... We spoil most of our energy and time, in rectifying others flaus and decisions. Just imagine if we concentrate little on our own the society can become more flourish.
@Sayein K Supporters bhi Sayein: plz also comment on marriages of mian MOHAMMD shahbaz sharif
@nationempowered: I find very serious conscienceless reservations in your comments dear,. how the marriage is meant playing with emotions of others, Refer the point where he instigate the youth not to marry Prove dear how the marriage in the absence of any wife is a fun, how many peoples are struggling and scarifying their lives although all are married In the end, Imran do what he wants to do, beyond the expectations of the peoples thanks
What two consenting Adults do is their private business,educated,politically aware, globally connected Pakistanis DON'T CARE WHO IS MARRIED TO WHOM, WE DEMAND....
1.) Clean governance 2.) Efficient governance 3.) Rule of Law
..... What anyone does in their personal life we could care less, Welcome to the 21st century PMLN/PPP/ANP/JUIF/JI and even some PTI supporters
Moderator I don't love you anymore.You have sliced my comments, here and in other parts of tribune.
Congratulations Khan sb.
@Zain:
Really enjoying the way IK's supporters are justifying all his lies.
Just when an icon was changing the mindset of the people to be able to see the bigger picture in life; a step of getting married at this sensitive time has left his followers completely disappointed....was IK playing with the emotions of the people since how can this be possible that with a serious mindset to change the faith of the people of this Nation; he was involved with someone and in no time got married-this could have waited; seems that he had prioritized his personal life over the endless sacrifices that the youth had made for a serious cause- he kept giving a different lecture to the youth though and himself practiced something completely different and unexpected!! He has let the youth and sacrifices of the youth down!!!Wish he has chosen the right time for his personal fun time atleast-should have alteast realized the precious lives lost for the noble cause rather than perusing his personal goals!!!
@Left PTI today: i know very well on which basis the politicains of pakistan left any party, only one question dear should he announce very day of massacre of innocents or few days latter of severe grief the happy moment of life, he told the peoples that it was not the proper time
Wish you all the best khan sahab..we love u
@Blithe: Bro, have you read "Taliban shuffle" by Kim Barker? I highly recommend it :)
Good luck to them! its their personal matter. its up to him and her!
Dont understand the negative responses ie from the hopefuls :) or the nora league
IK marriage is his personal business and he should not mke it the business of his political movement. He has been cowed down by Nawaz Sharif who actualy organised the whole affair whout the knowledge of IK!!!
Rex Minor
I was strong follower of PTI and Imran but telling lies time and again made me think today and I publically denounce any relationship with PTI. I am not a PML N troll i was joint secretary of PTI Takhat Bhai District Mardan and manged to win my village polling station for PTI against my Uncle who was supporting PPP as polling agent. I repent I made my uncle unhappy for this poor liar Like Imran khan marrying with Bold Reham Khan.. Mr. Khan a proud Pathan is leaving you today...God bless u
@Ashraf: what is your concerned , he told any one or not
@Blithe: personal matter , if any one says you that your marriage is based on lie, have he hurted any one by marraige,
I have no issue wiith Imrans marriage whatsoever that it is with Reham Khan.
My issue is all this is happened during Dharna. Where he has made all this Azaadi march life and death issue. People did die as a direct result of this movement. Lost of Billions of rupees and many human lives. The rhetoric from Imran Khan was he will die but he will not go back. And during all this he was engaged in full time romance with Reham Khan. That is my issue. Shame on such a fake leader
I think Mr.khan is not a serious politician. He is about posh relationships, international trips and sensational dharnas.
What do you expect? Make him wait till 85?
@salman: Grow up. Everybody can get married.
I have no issue with Imran Marriage whatsoever that it is with Reham Khan.
My issue is all this is happened during Dharna. Where he has made all this Azaadi march life and death issue. People did die as a direct result of this movement. Lost of Billions of rupees and many human lives. The rhetoric from Imran Khan was he will die but he will not go back.
And during all this he was engaged in full time romance with Reham Khan. That is my issue. Shame on such a fake leader
Wish you and your wife all future happiness.
His personal life is personal - please let them be happy.
Best of luck.
Best wishes man! You must have lied earlier for a reason. And also before that. And before that still.
@liaqat ali: Oh god he said all that to keep people entertained and excited the dharna stayed for months even I (calm personality) felt like barging in the fake pmz house. And you didn't vote for khan quit lying yourself.
First step to secure a British Passport....
All Anti-Imran Khan people are feeling jealous :D
@bro:
Once a lier, always a lier
Darbari, correct your spelling: It is liar, not lier!
Secret marriage in a hurry Is there anything behind the scene ?
@Ashraf: When did he lie? He said rumours were exaggerated. Was looking for the right time to break the news.
@Ibrahim: Did Zardari not manage without a first lady?
If he wants to re-marry fine - why lie to his supporters and family? Why falsely discredit those newspersons who simply reported facts ealier?
What the heck? Priorities Mr Khan!! We were all rooting for your cause, and we prioritised that over everything else, sacrificing normality for participating in your Dharnas and strike calls ... seems you have done everything except give us Naya pakistan and a better KPK. Nothing wrong with getting married but there was a better and more honourable way to manage it and it shouldn't be just shoved in our faces when we have so much more to worry about!! You don't seem to realize how much people look(ed) up to you - seriously I feel all those fights we did on your behalf were worthless.
So all the badmashi was to impress that girl !!!!!! Typical of how it happens on streets :)
@Ibrahmi - the former PM of Australi Julia guillard was single. Modi too has visited different countries without a first lady by his side. So the notion that he married because he would have needed a first lady in the event he became PM, is flawed. Anyway, if Imran wants to marry, that is his choice. But why did he deny the news when it had first surfaced in November? Why were the journalists who broke the story accused of being PML-N conspiraors? Why did his sister say he was not married and why did he himself say thatthe news of his marriage was greatly exaggerated?
I like his love for 'youthful' stuff - always a 22 year difference with his life partner ;)
At least a youthful wife if not youthful pakistan :)
Now Pakistani cities will be blocked again - this time for his baarat!!!
It is IK choice and we must all respect it but as he is a public figure people would comment on his choice. A more Pakistani girl with less photos and videos(not suiting the Khan rhetoric) would have been better for his creer as politcian . But as Ik if he has ignored all that and went for his heart , then I am happy for him and pray for good luck to him.But politically it is bad choice and bad timing , U turn and all . But may be his banking on burgers again more than serious supporters.
Marriage based on a lie - great start
Wish the couple all the best. Congratulations. :)
Once a lier, always a lier
What a Pathetic liar he is. This guy will change pakistan, who does not even accept his marriage publicly.
Who would have thought Reham Khan will be the next "first lady" of Pakistan. Well in all honesty IK would have been in a fairly embarrassing situation if he would have had to make foreign visits as the PM of Pakistan without a first lady on his side. Reham Khan is undoubtedly a charming lady and has got poise and charisma as well. So basically its a situation that suits all.All the best to Mr & Mrs Khan.
Wish the newly wed couple a happy and blessed married life...
Nothing wrong with getting married but doing it secretly while holding a country ransom for nearly 4 months over a principle is ignorant or disrespectful to say the least.
Good looking couple. Good wishes for future life.
Disappointing.....this could have waited; probably an appropriate time would have been better for this personal decision....now it seems that a personal engagement was probably behind the winding up of Dharna in such a hurry where people had devoted their endless days and nights for a noble cause!!! really this could have waited....
IF it is true then he proved himself to be a liar yet again . And it shows that he has now given up on his Naya Pakistan as he promised that he will re marry only when Naya pakistn is in place .
But at the same time he has every right to marry whomeso ever he chooses . Be happy my ex-hero(Yes I voted for his party) . That will make my Pakistan also less frustrated by not constantly listening to your depressing frustarting speaches .
Congratulations Khan sb. Our prayers n blessings.
Congratulations !
The cat is out of the bag
Congrats Khan sahab
HUH !!! but he said i will marry after Naya pakistan ????