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    ‘Not bitterness, I feel sorry for Imran Khan’

    In one of her first in-depth interviews after former husband Imran Khan became Prime Minister of Pakistan, Reham Khan, whose tell-all book about her ex-husband took the world by storm, now says being a good mother is her priority.

    ‘Not bitterness, I feel sorry for Imran Khan’
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    Reham Khan

    Chennai

    Revealing that it was her son Sahir who pushed her to complete the memoir, Reham says there is no bitterness towards Imran and she will continue to raise her voice on political issues in the future as well.

    At this point, nothing but negativity exists between you and Imran Khan — at least that’s how people perceive it. But what convinced you to marry him in the first place?

    I married him believing he was an honest man who wanted to become a better Muslim and leave behind in his words “his depraved lifestyle”. This is why I married him because he pleaded with me to help him and support him. I discovered that he was not who he claims to be in his speeches and certainly did not want to end his ways. There is no personal bitterness towards him. I feel sorry for him now since he was much loved by his fans through his cricketing days for his talent on the pitch and for his looks too but now he is exposing a side to the public which he is being criticised for right left and centre. I warned him and tried my best to protect him from this fall but I failed because he wanted to become PM so badly.

    Your book, like Pandora’s Box, unearthed a very murky side of Pakistan and its politicians. Who was your pillar of strength and supported you in bringing out this book, despite knowing you might receive the worst of threats? 

    My children have supported me literally through every trial in life. Although all three of my children believe in me and are pumping up my morale all the time, with this book Sahir my son not only boosted my confidence in my writing but had the unenviable job of compiling my erratic bouts of writing which were not always in chronological order. From learning about the publishing industry to finding proof and copy editors he took all the hard work on his shoulders and delivered the finished product to me. I could not have done it without him at all. My children have braved all the threats because they believe in my cause. They are extraordinary humans I must say. They amaze me with their inner strength. They have faced direct and indirect abuse, house moves, school disruptions, curtailing their basic freedoms, everything without so much as a whimper.

    Many claimed for your book to be ‘full of lies’ so as a journalist, did you feel you were objective in writing the book or was it intended to be personal? 

    Only PTI claims this. Many describe the book as more than 200 percent accurate. The book was written with a pure objective intention to tell the truth about political matters and the state of our nation. For me, Imran is a politician and nothing more. For those who know me closely, they know I am very objective even towards family members and myself also.

    How do you respond to allegations that you timed the release of the book to coincide with Imran Khan stepping into PM’s shoes?

    I really am immune to all sorts of allegations now as so much has been said about me. I turn a deaf ear to these. I do things according to what suits my timelines. I do think it is perfect timing as people will now refer to the book and understand why he does what he does. For example, the recent helicopter fiasco where he is commuting twice a day on the government helicopter from his home and the PM house is explained in the book in several places. His penchant for a luxury lifestyle and his partying habits are explained too. He can’t be expected to live a life of discipline and austerity now that he has more power. I think those who have to deal with him from overseas will also get an accurate insight into who he really is. 

    Have you ever thought about converting your book into a film?

    Even before the book came out there were offers of a film on it and even a net series on it. We are currently in the process of picking the best offer as I want to retain creative control. In a film, we can show so much more and reach a wider audience.

    You’ve created quite a resume for yourself, having worked with reputable media houses across the world. Yet, the only thing people know you as is “Imran Khan’s ex-wife.” Has this ever bothered you?

    Honestly, it bothers those who have watched my struggle closely more. I am above these things. Imran is a part of my life that is in the past for me and I should not be referred to as an ex-wife. Having said that, I understand his celebrity status and that more people know him in India so to give context to viewers and readers, he will be naturally mentioned. In Pakistan, this is not the case — I am known in my own capacity as a social activist. I am fully conscious that more attention is given to me as a result of that marriage. Personally, it is offensive but I tolerate it because it sometimes gives me a platform for raising my voice on issues I believe in. One has to put personal feelings aside for the greater good.

    Would you be interested in joining politics in the future?

    What I do is politics. I raise my voice on issues which are either political or should be political. I don’t think politics is only limited to sitting in parliament or becoming a minister. My political views never enjoyed positions in government but initiated movements for bringing justice and equality for people. I hope to create a new generation of leaders like Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Emmeline Pankhurst, etc. who truly represent(ed) their constituents. This is why we voted for Imran but he went the same route of status quo politicians and rich kids.

    Do you plan to get back to journalism?

    I left mainstream journalism because there was no space for my areas of interest, for example, child rights or displaced persons. After my last marriage, I learned how TV journalism is merely a tool of the propaganda machinery. I do not fit in. This is why I launched my YouTube channel and am launching a website where social issues can be highlighted and there is no editorial bias towards a political party. I am more interested in helping youngsters start their careers in journalism and on-screen. My lifestyle as a social activist leaves no time for the commitment of a regular TV slot.

    Being a mother of three, what’s the most important thing you’d like to teach your kids?

    I have taught my children to be honest....to be honest to themselves.... to be honest to the people they interact with. This is the only way to be happy. If you are honest to yourself, live a life that suits you best and doesn’t conform to what society wants you to be. If you are honest to people around you then your relationships are real and gratifying. 

    Do you intend to live in Pakistan or move back to the UK?

    I very much intend to live in Pakistan. I am busy with book promotions in different countries and this is GCSE year for my youngest daughter — she is too young to be left alone in the UK and needs me around more at the minute so I’m travelling. However, Pakistan is my home and I feel I must contribute towards a better future.

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