Meet Reham Khan: Imran Khan's ex-wife makes political debut; can she break through the noise in Pakistan?

Reham Khan - File Photo

Pakistan’s political stage has long been dominated by familiar heavyweights - the PML-N, the PPP, and the embattled PTI. But now, a new and unexpected player has entered the fray: Reham Khan. The former BBC journalist, film producer, and ex-wife of Imran Khan has launched her own political party, the Pakistan Republic Party, marking her formal entry into the country’s turbulent political arena.

Reham’s move adds a new dimension to Pakistan’s political discourse at a time of deep economic distress, institutional distrust, and growing public frustration. But the big question remains: Can Reham Khan, best known so far for her marriage and messy split with Imran Khan, transform her media persona into serious political capital?

Who is Reham Khan?

Reham Khan is a British-Pakistani journalist, former BBC presenter, film producer, and now, a politician. But in Pakistan, her name became widely known in 2015 when she married Imran Khan, the charismatic cricketer-turned-politician who would soon become Pakistan’s prime minister.

Her marriage to Imran was her second. She was earlier married to Ijaz Rehman, a psychiatrist, with whom she has three children. Reham has long maintained a media presence, first in the UK and later in Pakistan, working with various news channels, and even producing a film in 2016, Janaan, a romantic comedy set in Swat.

But her public image in Pakistan has been polarising. Critics in conservative circles took issue with her media career and her liberal lifestyle. A particular video from her UK days, where she was seen cooking pork sausages at a food fair, went viral and was used to attack her “Western” image — a political liability in Pakistan’s conservative society.

Reham’s marriage with Imran Khan lasted just 10 months. Their divorce in October 2015 was messy and very public. In 2018, she released a controversial memoir, alleging that Imran was unfaithful during their marriage, specifically accusing him of maintaining a relationship with Bushra Bibi (née Wattoo), who Imran later married. Reham’s allegations made headlines, adding to the friction between her and Imran Khan’s political supporters.

In 2022, Reham remarried, this time to US-based Pakistani actor and satirist Mirza Bilal, but she stayed politically vocal and active online.

What is the Pakistan Republic Party?

On July 15, 2025, Reham Khan formally entered Pakistan’s political landscape by launching her own political outfit — the Pakistan Republic Party (PRP).

At a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club, Reham declared that the party was born out of a “sense of responsibility” and a desire to convert “politics into service.” She said that she had earlier entered politics only for “one person” — a veiled reference to her marriage with Imran Khan — but was now doing so “on her own terms.”

Reham Khan’s party has laid out a reform-driven agenda centered on clean drinking water, basic healthcare, and women’s empowerment. It positions itself as a people’s movement, particularly focused on farmers, women, and the youth, and takes a strong stand against Pakistan’s dynastic politics and elite control of power. The party pledges to hold the traditional ruling class accountable and rejects the status quo, with Reham stating that no member will contest from multiple constituencies to build personal influence. She also emphasised a break from political theatrics, promising to rebuild Pakistan through grassroots service rather than power games.

Can Reham Khan and her party compete?

No grassroots network (yet): Unlike the PML-N, PPP or even PTI, Reham’s party doesn’t have a voter base or presence on the ground. In Pakistan, electoral politics runs through regional strongholds, biradari (clan) networks, and patronage systems — all of which take years, if not decades, to build.

Lacks institutional backing: In Pakistan, political viability often hinges on acceptance, or at least tolerance, by the military establishment. It’s unclear whether Reham’s entry into politics is being quietly backed by any faction within the military or intelligence community. So far, there’s no indication of that.

Personal baggage: Her very public fallout with Imran Khan, including allegations and her tell-all book, have made her a deeply controversial figure. Many view her as opportunistic, especially PTI supporters who see her entry into politics as a vendetta move. This polarisation may hurt her credibility, especially in conservative circles.

Message vs machinery: While Reham has made strong points about the disconnect between ordinary Pakistanis and their political rulers, messaging alone isn’t enough. Mobilising voters, especially in rural Pakistan, requires money, manpower, and deep political machinery, all of which are currently absent.

Timing and opportunity: There is one factor that could work in her favour: public disillusionment. Pakistan’s current political order – dominated by the PML-N, PPP, and a struggling PTI – is facing growing criticism amid worsening inflation, soaring debt, and elite-driven policymaking. Reham is trying to tap into that frustration.