Pakistan's Imran Khan, wife Reham end marriage; file for divorce

Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan and his wife, Reham Khan, have filed for divorce, they said on Friday, ending secret wedding that captivated international tabloids and Pakistani voters.

Imran Khan, who captained the Pakistan team when it won the Cricket World Cup in 1992, tied the knot with the former BBC journalist in a low-key ceremony in January.

"We have decided to part ways and file for divorce," Reham Khan announced on Twitter.

Imran later took to Twitter to ay, "This is a painful time for me & Reham & our families. I would request everyone to respect our privacy."

He expressed, "I have the greatest respect for Reham's moral character & her passion to work for & help the underprivileged."

Khan also cleared rumours of financial settlement, "Reports & speculation about financial settlements are absolutely false and shameful."

The journalist endured criticism on social media when pictures and videos of her in Western outfits surfaced.

Imran Khan, who was earlier known for his playboy reputation, built a formidable political power base in Pakistan post his cricketing stint.

His party became the country's third largest in a 2013 election after he advocated talks with Pakistani Taliban insurgents and criticised the United States for drone strikes in militant areas.

Khan's party spokesman, Naeem ul Haque, said in a television interview the divorce had been finalised with the consent of both parties.

Rumours of the end of the marriage first circulated in August when Reham was campaigning to support a candidate from her husband's party in a by-election.

The candidate lost the vote and later Imran announced that his wife would not have a political career with his party.

Khan's previous marriage to British socialite Jemima Khan, the daughter of the financier James Goldsmith, ended in 2004. They have two sons who live in the UK.

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