Ex-wife Jemima congratulates Imran Khan, reminds him of "challenge"
Wishes have been pouring in for PTI Chief Imran Khan from around the world, as he looks set to become Pakistan's next prime minister. One of those was from ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith, who was married to him for nine years during 1995-2004. "...My sons' father is Pakistan's next PM," she tweeted, before reminding him of the "challenge" that awaits him now.
Goldsmith has a word of advice for Khan
Goldsmith recalls Khan's first ever election
Congratulating Khan, Goldsmith wrote, "It's an incredible lesson in tenacity, belief & refusal to accept defeat. The challenge now is to remember why he entered politics in the 1st place." She also recalled an incident from his first election in a now-deleted tweet: "I waited for the call in LHR...Eventually he called. "It's a clean sweep" & after my gasp, "... the other way." He roared with laughter."
The marriage broke due to "geographical differences, cross-cultural difficulties"
Goldsmith is a beloved celebrity in Pakistan, social media posts show. The British socialite had converted to Islam before marrying Khan; she was 21 and he, 42. She moved to Lahore to be with him, but divorced nine years later due to "geographical problems" and "difficulties of cross-cultural marriages." Their two sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, returned to Britain with her.
'Happy Election Day Pakistan!'
Before polling started yesterday, Goldsmith tweeted, "Happy Election Day Pakistan, you maddening, beautiful, crazy, beloved old friend. Here's hoping the people who count your votes, let your vote count. And you get the leader you believe in. Pakistan Zindabad!"
This February, Khan married a third time
Khan married a second time in 2015, but this relationship with BBC weather reporter Reham Khan lasted just 10 months. In February this year, he confirmed his marriage to spiritual advisor Bushra Wattoo. The couple and the family were photographed with the bride in a veil. PTI was apparently pressurizing Khan to disclose the marriage to prevent a setback in the elections.
This was one of Pakistan's dirtiest elections
This has been one of the dirtiest elections in Pakistan, with opposition parties, journalists and civil rights groups accusing the former cricketer of indulging in widespread rigging with the military's help. As of 4pm, PTI was leading in 118 seats, PML(N) in 62, and PPP in 39.
