Imran Khan’s party, Pakistani opposition leader and head of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), has issued a statement clarifying the situation around his marital status. Aamir Qureshi / AFP Photo
Imran Khan’s party, Pakistani opposition leader and head of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), has issued a statement clarifying the situation around his marital status. Aamir Qureshi / AFP Photo
Imran Khan’s party, Pakistani opposition leader and head of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), has issued a statement clarifying the situation around his marital status. Aamir Qureshi / AFP Photo
Imran Khan’s party, Pakistani opposition leader and head of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), has issued a statement clarifying the situation around his marital status. Aamir Qureshi / AFP Photo

Imran Khan waits to learn if he will marry for the third time


James Langton
  • English
  • Arabic

His first wife was the daughter of a British aristocrat and a multimillionaire financier.

The second Mrs Imran Khan was a journalist and film ­producer.

The third wife of one of Pakistan’s most famous sons is, possibly, a faith healer with connections to a politically powerful tribe.

The “possibly” is important. With rumours spreading that the cricketer-turned-politician had married Bushra “Pinki” Maneka, a pir, or spiritual guide, Mr Khan’s party yesterday issued a statement clarifying the situation.

Ms Maneka, the PTI said, was still considering an offer of marriage from Mr Khan and had “asked for time to make a final decision after consulting her family, including her children”. Furthermore, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said, it was “indeed sad to see this extremely private and sensitive matter be made the subject of [an] erroneous story leading to all manner of public conjecture”, while describing the potentially third Mrs Khan as “a very private lady”.

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Read more:

Pakistan's top court dismisses graft charges against Imran Khan

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This is not the first time Mr Khan has been linked to the Maneka family, an influential clan whose power base is Sahiwal in southern Punjab.

In July 2016, Mr Khan was linked in gossip columns to Maryam Riaz Wattoo, the ­sister of Ms Maneka. Ms Wattoo, who lives in Dubai, at first ­ignored the rumours and then reacted indignantly, saying the story of their wedding was false and disturbing to her family.

Last August, Dawn, Pakistan's biggest English-language newspaper, reported that Mr Khan had been a regular visitor to Sahiwal, arriving by night and staying with the family of the sisters.

It described Ms Maneka then as being in her 40s and “the wife of Khawar Farid Maneka, a senior Customs official in Islamabad”.

Her relationship with Mr Khan was one of a “spiritual bond”, with his visits taking place “whenever he finds himself in a difficult situation”.

Mr Khan’s only recorded comment on his marital status came last year when he was reported joking: “I am in a hurry to complete my marriages hat-trick.”

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
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How to come clean about financial infidelity
  • Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
  • Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help. 
  • Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
  • Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
  • Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported. 

Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

Nancy 9 (Hassa Beek)

Nancy Ajram

(In2Musica)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

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The specs

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm

Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh130,000

On sale: now

How the bonus system works

The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.

The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.

There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).

All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.

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Sui Dhaaga: Made in India

Director: Sharat Katariya

Starring: Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, Raghubir Yadav

3.5/5