Names: Imran Khan and Jemima Goldsmith Age: 52 and 30 Nationality: Pakistani and British Claim to fame: The most talked-about couple divorce
Most folks are saying they knew it, it had to end this way. Such mismatched matches don’t last. Clearly there is less surprise at the announced divorce of Imran Khan and Jemima than there was when Pakistan’s most famous cricketer and eligible bachelor married the young British socialite and heiress, back in 1995.
The fact that they stuck together for nine years with so much cultural difference, age difference, and Imran’s political and social work commitments shows the couple tried to make things work. And the scandal-prone Imran is making sure that, at least in this aspect of his personal life, there is no mud slinging and blame-games being played. In fact, he sensibly gave Jemima credit for trying to make their marriage work in the statement that announced his divorce to the media on Tuesday last.
“Whilst Jemima tried her best to settle here, my political life made it difficult for her to adapt to life in Pakistan. This was a mutual decision and was clearly very sad for both of us. We remain on very good terms and our children will always be our first priority,” the cricketing legend-turned-political crusader disclosed.
Imran’s two sons, Suleman and Qasim, seven and four respectively, are with their mother but it is believed that the couple will rotate the custody of the children between them. However, in the long run it is not difficult to see some differences arising over this issue. Imran is sure to try and bring the children closer to his cultural and religious values while they are sure to find adjusting to it as difficult as their mother did if they are going to be brought up in England. When Imran, who went to England after growing up in Lahore, took no time in getting soaked in the dazzling highlife of London, how can his sons be expected to share the patriotic and religious passion that their father is so filled up with these days?
Jemima should be given credit for trying to adapt to Imran’s present lifestyle — she took on a new religion, name, country, language and lifestyle for him. She actively helped him in his campaigning and charity work, playing the dutiful wife and devoted wife who always defended him and their marriage to the media. Their marriage endured a paternity suit brought by Sita White, an ex-girlfriend of Imran, who alleged that he was the father of her daughter. Sita White died of cancer in May and it is believed that Imran has decided to take the guardianship of the child, Tyrian, who still lives in Washington with her aunt.
Last year Jemima moved to England with their sons and started a Master’s degree. She visited Pakistan briefly in March. As rumours about Jemima’s growing friendship with actor Hugh Grant surface, we all wait to see whose shoulders both Jemima and Imran will turn to for comfort.
Most folks are saying they knew it, it had to end this way. Such mismatched matches don’t last. Clearly there is less surprise at the announced divorce of Imran Khan and Jemima than there was when Pakistan’s most famous cricketer and eligible bachelor married the young British socialite and heiress, back in 1995.
