Ijaz and Reham parted ways in 2006 after 15 years of marriage. PHOTO: DAILY MAIL
The honeymoon period for newlyweds Imran and Reham hasn’t lasted too long. While the PTI chief dealt with protesting parents at Peshawar’s Army Public School, his wife Reham has embroiled herself in a bitter war of words with her former husband, psychiatrist Dr Ijaz Rehman over claims of domestic violence.
Imran’s new wife, Reham, 41, said she had been a victim of domestic violence during her marriage to the 54-year-old psychiatrist with whom she has three children, Daily Mail reported. In a recent TV interview, she said, “I am not scarred by my experience. I have never spoken about my personal experience of domestic violence because I was in [the] media and felt it would be unfair to expose the other party.”
She also said that she was reluctant to accept Imran’s proposal because of her experience during her previous marriage, which ended in 2006 after 15 years. “When I talked to my family about it, we all had the same reservations, especially since I have been through such a horrendous experience.”
In response to the accusations, Ijaz, talking exclusively to The Express Tribune, rubbished Reham’s claims point by point. Below is the entire rejoinder that Rehman issued.
Reham was subjected to domestic violence, which was the main cause of your divorce and your marriage breakdown
“I reject these allegations strongly, this is a lie,” Rehman said. “I have never lifted hands on anyone nor have I ever been involved in any kind of domestic violence in any shape or form,” he added. “While I was married (to Reham), I always looked after my children and wife very well. I provided every kind of luxury to them and I looked after them in every sense. My ex-wife had every kind of liberty and no restriction of any kind. I am surprised that these allegations were made.”
The couple’s marriage was a horrible experience for Reham.
“We (Reham and I) have lot of common friends in Hull, where we lived together when we were married. They are all very highly intellectual people. They are highly-qualified consultants. Go and ask them – they will vouch for me. Ask them if I ever was unfair and cruel to my children and ex-wife? I don’t know what it is that she describes as a ‘horrible experience’,” the psychiatrist responded.
Domestic violence a reality during their marriage.
Responding to this question, Ijaz said domestic violence is a serious offence and can lead to conviction in the UK. “I work in a very senior position in NHS and If I was convicted or charged or found involved in domestic violence in any sense then I wouldn’t have been able to practice,” he said, refuting claims of conviction.
“The Criminal Record Bureau in this country gives clearance to all doctors every year enabling them to practice. CBR has the full police record of each and every individual who has been convicted. Only those people who are clean and have no criminal record are allowed to practice. I have no criminal record in England, not of any kind,” he asserted. Terming claims of a journalist that Reham was domestically violated ‘absurd’, Ijaz questioned, “I am asking what this investigation is and where and how it was conducted and I am considering my options.”
Reham Khan and Imran Khan said after separation, Reham faced difficulties and had to bring up two kids on her own and that you did not pay maintenance.
“Let me explain that it’s not the law of the jungle in the UK. Laws are very strict here. Everyone knows about the divorce settlement law in this country. This settlement is decided by the judge, it’s not only about financial division of assets of the parties, but also about other needs and requirements, who is earning and who is not. The judge also decides on how many kids there are what their needs are. The amount of the money is decided by the judge not by the individuals and that depends to how many kids are involved and what the income is.”
Further, he continued the child support agency was involved in their case and the job of the CSA is to ensure that fathers pay the maintenance. “That’s the whole point of CSA. Not paying children maintenance is a criminal offence and I could lose my license to practice for not paying the maintenance and I could have lost my job,” he added. “Courts can also order to attach your salary with this payment of maintenance if you do not pay the maintenance regularly so there is no way you wouldn’t pay for the maintenance of your children. I can confirm that I paid for the maintenance of my children through CSA all along and a substantial amount,” Ijaz asserted.
“Of course, you can ask CSA. I have my bank record. She will have the bank record too reflecting these payments. I am a senior doctor in the UK at a responsible position. I have to follow court orders. I have never broken the law. I am a law-abiding citizen. I have nothing to answer to.”
Ijaz further said despite not wanting to be involved in any controversy, he will defend himself and the truth. “I have a right to defend myself and I will defend myself to the end. I am a very private person and at this stage, I don’t want to get into any controversy. I don’t wish to engage in any mudslinging. But being a private person doesn’t mean that I am a weak person,” he concluded.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2015.
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COMMENTS (9)
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@Dr Sameena Hussain: Reham is an educated and intelligent woman - atleast she appears to be so. If she suffered abuse, isn't it logical that she would have confided in somebody? And, why is she bringing it up now? It is obvious she is trying to woo people to her side when the social media started to empathize with Jemima Khan than welcome Reham.
How Reham Khan is dancing in video clips, seems like she was having full liberty.
tell us more about imran khan's personal activities,life,wife,children,.. not his taxes,income,couruption...
Reham's EX should not have showed his face in paper or came up with reasons, for what ever reason. It was better for his own future to stay out of it. His face will be remembered now with Reham words.... no-mater what he is complaining! In domestic abuse cases no-one want to see husband or hear his words. Some how it work against him! That doesn't mean he was guilty.
As a doctor of Indian origin practicing in the UK I have following comments
Domestic violence or domestic abuse doesn't necessary mean physical abuse (beating or hitting your partner causing bodily harm). In most, over 80 % cases it is psychological or mental. Often very slow and subtle especially when the perpetrator is a skilled person who slowly takes control of your life. He wants to be in control at all times making you feeling small, worthless with a very low self esteem. He can be generous and 'forgiving' towards his victim showering them with lavish presents such as expensive jewellery, perfumes, designer clothes and holidays etc. Hence making the victim feeling hopeful of him changing his behaviour. In social gatherings he is very polite, caring and loving towards his partner thus exhibiting a very manipulative controlling behaviour. This behaviour is very well known to UK agencies who support women with a history of domestic abuse. It is very prevalent amongst men of South Asian background. In many cases children are used as a pawn often by both parties, the perpetrator and some times victim to achieve their goals.age doesn't seems to be making sense in this line. May be i have gone haywire.
"which ended in 2006 after 15 years."
I hope your sister is subjected to the same treatment. I will see where she will file a complaint. And you will be the last person she will speak with.
Evil, blackhearted people!
He seems to be normal and straight forward person.
Why didn't she file a complaint in London, if all her tales were true? She is the ideal bride for Imran Khan.