Reham Khan

1. Early Life: Nurturing Independence and Values Amidst Contrasting Cultures.

My defiant, free-spirited nature was always right there.

A privileged upbringing. Born in Libya to educated Pakistani parents, the author experienced a liberal, happy childhood filled with travel, diverse cultures, and attentive parents who instilled strong values of education, respect for all religions, and integrity. Her father, a gentle ENT surgeon, was her primary role model, teaching her to smile through challenges.

Cultural contrasts. Moving back to Pakistan under Zia ul Haq's conservative regime presented a culture shock, highlighting the stark differences between her liberal upbringing and the increasingly restrictive society. Despite societal pressures towards early marriage and conformity, her independent spirit, nurtured by her family's progressive Pashtun heritage, remained strong.

Seeds of resilience. Early experiences, like being locked in a bathroom as a toddler and waiting calmly, or navigating social dynamics and minor betrayals at school, hinted at an innate resilience and self-reliance that would become crucial later in life. Her mother's emphasis on education and her father's quiet strength provided a foundation for facing future hardships.

2. First Marriage: A Descent into Abuse and the Fight for Freedom.

It had taken a month of special prayers (Istikhara) to build up this resolve and courage.

An ill-fated union. At 18, pressured by societal norms and family expectations, the author married her first cousin, a man 16 years her senior, despite her reservations. The marriage quickly devolved into a cycle of verbal abuse, control, and physical violence, often over trivial matters like cooking or shopping.

Isolation and fear. Living in England, isolated from family and friends, she endured years of humiliation and fear, constantly trying to appease her husband to avoid his explosive temper. Threats of divorce and physical harm became commonplace, eroding her confidence and leaving her feeling trapped and helpless.

The turning point. After years of suffering, a violent incident where her husband attacked her in front of their children finally spurred her to action. Making the courageous decision to call the police, she took the first step towards freedom, realizing that she alone could rescue herself and her children from the abusive situation.

3. Single Motherhood: Resilience Forged in Struggle and Unconditional Love.

Sahir was all I needed to give me renewed vigour. Never again would I be defeated by the irrational criticism I was subjected to.

A new beginning. Leaving her first marriage with three young children, no financial support, and limited job prospects, the author faced immense challenges. However, the unconditional love for her children became her driving force, providing the hope and determination needed to rebuild their lives from scratch.

Struggle and sacrifice. She took on multiple jobs, from delivering catalogues in freezing weather to offering mobile beauty services, working tirelessly to provide for her family. Financial hardship was constant, but the absence of abuse and fear created a safe and happy home environment for her children.

Children as strength. Her children became her greatest support system, helping with chores, offering emotional comfort, and adapting to frequent moves and difficult circumstances. Their resilience and love reinforced her identity as a capable mother and fueled her resolve to overcome every obstacle, proving that happiness was possible even without a partner.

4. Building a Career: Finding Strength and Purpose in the Public Eye.

Being a divorcee was not going to be easy, but I was trying to capitalize on everything that my new situation could offer me.

Starting from scratch. Despite facing discrimination as a single mother and divorcee, the author pursued her ambition in media, enrolling in a broadcast journalism course. Her determination and hard work quickly led to her first presenting job on Legal TV, where she gained experience and confidence.

Navigating challenges. She faced sexism and office politics, learning to stand her ground and value her worth. Her ability to connect with people and her passion for social issues, particularly the plight of refugees and the abuse of power, became evident through her work.

Rising profile. Moving to the BBC as a weather presenter brought wider recognition and financial stability. Despite initial workplace challenges, her professionalism and dedication allowed her to excel, proving that integrity and hard work could lead to success even in a competitive environment.

5. The Second Marriage: A Whirlwind Romance Leading to a World of Deceit.

It may have started with his relentless pursuit, but I grew to love him as I loved my children.

An unexpected courtship. After years focused on her career and children, the author was pursued by a famous cricketer-turned-politician, Imran Khan. Despite his reputation and her initial reservations, his persistent charm and apparent vulnerability gradually won her over.

A rushed union. The marriage happened quickly, shrouded in secrecy and external pressures. The author entered the union with hope, believing she could support his mission for a 'New Pakistan' and find personal happiness, overlooking concerning signs and his complex past.

Public scrutiny. The marriage became a media sensation, with intense public interest and scrutiny. While the public celebrated the union, the author faced immediate challenges navigating the political world, her husband's complex relationships, and a growing sense of unease about the reality behind the public facade.

6. The World of Bani Gala: Unveiling Hypocrisy and Dark Secrets.

I had unknowingly disrupted the moneymaking and the fundraising misappropriations carried on in his name, not to mention the political inheritance.

A gilded cage. Moving into Imran Khan's Bani Gala residence, the author discovered a world far removed from her values. Despite the outward appearance of a leader's home, it was a place marked by disorganization, reliance on benefactors, and a constant undercurrent of political maneuvering and personal intrigue.

Conflicting realities. She witnessed a stark contrast between her husband's public image of integrity and his private life, which included alleged drug use, questionable financial dealings, and a complex web of relationships with women and men from his past. His reliance on 'spiritual advisors' and belief in black magic further added to the author's disillusionment.

Navigating the inner circle. The author struggled to fit into her husband's inner circle, which included family members, political allies, and benefactors, many of whom seemed more interested in personal gain than the party's stated goals. Her attempts to introduce transparency and address issues like corruption and poor governance were met with resistance and resentment.

7. The Cost of Integrity: Standing Alone Against Betrayal and Malignity.

I was an unprepared, unarmed woman, battling it out alone.

Facing opposition. The author's presence and attempts to influence her husband towards better governance and ethical conduct were met with hostility from those who benefited from the status quo. She became a target of smear campaigns, fueled by her first husband and allegedly orchestrated by elements within her second husband's circle.

Betrayal from within. Despite her loyalty and efforts to support her husband, she discovered he was not only aware of the attacks against her but was allegedly complicit in them, even collaborating with her first husband. This betrayal shattered her trust and left her feeling isolated and vulnerable.

Standing her ground. Despite the immense pressure and personal cost, the author refused to compromise her integrity or be silenced. She continued to speak out against injustice and corruption, even as her marriage crumbled under the weight of external pressures and internal deceit, demonstrating immense courage in the face of adversity.

8. Finding Strength: Faith as a Shield Against Human and Supernatural Attacks.

Every attack strengthened my faith. There is no other explanation for how I survived so much.

Spiritual warfare. Amidst the chaos and betrayal, the author found solace and strength in her faith. Faced with alleged black magic practices and constant negative energy in her surroundings, she turned to prayer and Quranic recitation as a means of protection and grounding.

Resilience through belief. Her deep-seated belief in Allah's power provided a shield against the psychological and emotional toll of the attacks. The realization that she was being protected by a higher power allowed her to persevere through unimaginable pain and disillusionment.

A transformed perspective. The hardships and betrayals, while devastating, ultimately deepened her spirituality. She came to understand that true strength and peace came not from human relationships or worldly success, but from an unwavering connection to her faith, which sustained her when everything else failed.

9. The Final Betrayal: Shattering Illusions and Reclaiming Self-Worth.

It took me 43 years to finally realise that men can lie with conviction even when caught red-handed.

The truth revealed. A shocking discovery of emails on her husband's phone exposed the full extent of his deceit, including alleged infidelity, collaboration with her first husband to malign her, and a calculated plan for divorce. The illusion of a loving marriage shattered instantly.

Pain and disillusionment. The betrayal caused profound emotional and physical pain, leaving her feeling violated and foolish for having been deceived. She grappled with the realization that the man she had loved and supported was capable of such cold calculation and cruelty.

Reclaiming independence. Despite the devastation, the author found the strength to walk away, refusing to be silenced or controlled. The divorce, while painful, ultimately freed her from a toxic environment and allowed her to begin the process of healing and rebuilding her life on her own terms, prioritizing her integrity and well-being.

10. Lessons Learned: True Strength Lies Not in Power, But in Honesty and Love.

True love never deserts you. It wants your happiness at any cost.

Reflecting on relationships. The author's experiences in both marriages led to a profound understanding of love, loyalty, and betrayal. She learned that outward appearances and public personas can be deceiving, and that true character is revealed in private actions and treatment of others.

The value of integrity. Despite the personal cost, maintaining her integrity and refusing to compromise her values became her greatest strength. She realized that genuine respect and lasting happiness come from within, not from external validation or material possessions.

Finding purpose in service. Moving beyond personal relationships, the author dedicated herself to social activism and charity work, particularly for vulnerable children. Her journey, marked by hardship and betrayal, ultimately led her to a deeper sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Last updated: May 14, 2025