Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said he will not give up the idea of marrying again and is actually thinking about it, even more, these days.
“I am 63 years old and have been married for only 10 years, but I am more of a staunch believer of marriage now [after two divorces] than I ever was. I led a very envied bachelor’s life. Many people would have loved to have the kind of life I’ve led, but if you get marriage right, it is a very civilised way of life,” Imran said during an interview with Hindustan Times on Sunday.
The PTI chairman who divorced his second wife this year also revealed he had always remained faithful to his spouse while he was married. “I’m very proud to say that while married, I’ve always been faithful. I had told myself I would not indulge in infidelity and I never did. It is the greatest pain a human being can cause to their partner, which is why in all religions it is a sin,” he said.
“It’s not in my blood to give up. But it takes a lot … [the idea of marriage] is even more open than before. But marrying at 60 is not like marrying at 30,” said Imran.
“I am 63 years old and have been married for only 10 years, but I am more of a staunch believer of marriage now [after two divorces] than I ever was,” he added.
Talking about his family life, Imran said, “My greatest happiness was watching my children grow up. From the time they were born [his sons are now 17 and 19] till a year or so before my divorce was the happiest time of my life. And my marriage would have worked too, but it was just not possible for her [first wife, Jemima] to live here in Pakistan. She was young and the cultural life in Pakistan was difficult. The combination of living in a different culture and that too with someone who had just started a career in politics wasn’t easy.
On his second divorce, the cricketer-turned-politician said that it was even more difficult for him to part ways with Reham Khan, his second spouse.
The 63-year-old said his psychologist had advised him not to get married after his divorce with Jemima because his children might get adversely affected. But when the right time came, he married Reham Khan but it did not work out as she had her own family and he had his. “When they [Imran’s sons] were old enough, I thought I would try again, but it just didn’t work out because when you have grown children and she has grown children, it’s very difficult. There’s your family, her family. It was too complicated.”
“And I’m very lucky that [Jemima and I] have a great relationship. Even today — 11 years after my divorce — I go and stay with my mother-in-law. The boys come and see me there. She still hasn’t taken my pictures down.”
Although Imran said that he did not have anyone in mind for the third try – not even remotely, he did not shy away from expressing what he was looking for in his third spouse.
“I never judge people for what they are. I judge the type of person they aspire to be. You have to be with someone who is stimulating. You know, I’m not into looks that much. I’m not impressed by glamour or fashion. I get impressed by someone who has a belief system, convictions…” he said.
Courtesy Hindustan Times