Imran Khan to Marry Again?
Pakistan Times Special Report

Barely a fortnight after announcing the break-up of his marriage with Jemima Goldsmith, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has stated his intention to marry again, possibly by next year.

"I am already thinking about looking for a second wife. It doesn't look possible this year but I'll see if I'm able to find someone by my next birthday," the 51-year-old Imran said in an interview published in The Sunday Telegraph.

"Tragic"

Describing his split with Jemima after nine years of marriage as "tragic", Imran, who was born on November 25, 1952, vehemently denied that any other person was involved and insisted that his wife had tried her best to relocate.

"She [Jemima] did everything, but sometimes you do things and do not succeed," he said, admitting that his passion for Pakistani politics and deepening commitment to public life might have made it more difficult for Jemima to settle down.

"Maybe, if I had been doing something else, or had more time to travel in England or everywhere, it would have been different. But as I said, it all was just very difficult. So that's all and it is very tragic."

A Difficult Decision

Imran also said the decision to part way with Jemima was not an easy one.

"Splitting up is something that has a huge impact on your life. Especially because of the children, it is not easy at all. Well, the whole family split, you see. It is a big decision and it is not an easy decision at all."

Imran was visibly upset when he was asked about rumours that a third person - either in his life or that of Jemima - contributed to the divorce. "This is utter nonsense. There is no involvement of any third person at all," he said.

"I've not seen any such report, but if anyone ever writes it, I will take them to court. It is so ridiculous. Even Jemima would do the same, if she is bracketed with a third person."

Zest of Jemima

Thirty-year-old Jemima, daughter of late billionaire and founder of the Referendum Party, James Goldsmith, traveled frequently during the couple's marriage between Islamabad and London. But in the past 18 months, in particular, much of her time was spent in London.

Imran who won a World Health Organisation award last year for establishing a cancer hospital in Lahore, plans to set up another cancer hospital in the southern city of Karachi.

"One really cannot cope with cancer in Pakistan and we need to have more such centres across the country," he said.

Other projects on hand include setting up a university in his home town of Mianwali in the Punjab province, from where he was elected as MP in October 2002, and achieving a great and grand political change.●