How the media delighted in the Imran-Reham split

Published
77

Reham Khan and Imran Khan have decided to part ways. And it seems, we too, have decided to part ways with sanity in the wake of their decision.

It is fair to argue that a political figure does not have a personal or private life, but even so, the media and public response to the matter has been quite despicable.

The divorce came second-by-second, with flashing red tickers on TV channels that religiously engaged in seeking comments on the divorce from all and sundry; trying to claw out and probe into the reasons behind the separation; endlessly speculating and spouting sensationalism.

Relentlessly screaming:

“Second time for Imran Khan, is he on a hat-rick?”

“Reham Khan is a MI6 agent!”

TV producers across the media graced us with trashy animation over slideshows of Imran Khan and Reham Khan’s pictures, complete with lightning cracks between each photo and Bollywood scores bursting behind:

Bhula dena mujhe, Hai alvida tujhe, Tujhe jeena hai mere bina, Safar yeh tera, yeh raasta tera, Tujhe jeena hai.. mere bina.

And of course, how could a glorious opportunity for hating on a woman be missed?

As Faiza S. Khan (@BhopalHouse) neatly puts it:

Social media filled with endless commentary on the matter, as if the divorce could have repercussions for Pakistan’s economy, foreign relations, domestic affairs or the lives of its 200 million people...because of course, Pakistan has no other issues to deal with.

It's not like this is a country where an earthquake has just killed hundreds; where hundreds of children are systematically sexually abused for years in a village (does anyone remember that?).

This isn’t a country like that.

So, the public response to this private matter between a couple has everyone involved, everyone concerned, and everyone ready to offer an opinion.

I do wonder what the thousands of those affected by the earthquake are thinking as they watch this circus play out on TV.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...