Imran Khan announces third marriage to spiritual advisor Bushra Wattoo
What's the story
Pakistani cricketer turned politician Imran Khan has announced his marriage to Bushra Wattoo, a 'pir' or faith healer. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) released photos of the couple yesterday, with 68-year-old Khan clad in a shalwar-kameez-blazer, and Bushra covered from head to toe with only her eyes visible. This is Khan's third marriage and Bushra's second. The two reportedly met a couple of years ago.
Affair
Khan fell for Bushra when some predictions came true
According to local media, Khan had been visiting Bushra for spiritual advice since a couple of years at a remote town in Punjab's Sahiwal. "He got closer to her when some of the political predictions she made about his party came true," a source said. Bushra then divorced Khawar Farid Maneka, a senior customs official, with whom she has five children.
Marriage
Bushra's family, PTI leaders attend ceremony, Khan's sisters not present
"Marriage is the combination of two hearts and souls, which join each other on this special day of the wedding," PTI said in a statement. Mufti Muhammed Saeed performed the 'nikaah,' while Zulfi Bukhari and Awn Chaudhary were the witnesses. The "simple ceremony" took place at Bushra's brother's home, where her family members were present, but Khan's sisters weren't.
Information
A planned political step ahead of the general elections
This ends week of rumors about the union, which PTI believes led to the defeat of leader Jahangir Tareen's son in Punjab's Lodhran last week. PTI was apparently pressurizing Khan to disclose the marriage to prevent another setback in the upcoming general elections.
Details
Khan's first marriage lasted 10 years, the second, 10 months
Continuing his attempts to shed the playboy image of his younger self, Khan clarified that "everytime I met (Bushra), she has been in purdah (veil). I sent a marriage proposal only after she divorced her husband." Khan had married British socialite Jemima Khan in 1995, which ended in divorce in 2004. His second marriage to TV anchor Reham Khan lasted 10 months.