Daily Times

Reham Khan, former wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, complained that she was being ‘defamed’ by the electronic media over her tell-all biography, which reportedly includes details of her interactions with various celebrities and her marriage with Khan.

Some of the details apparently crossed a line for businessman Zulfikar Bukhari, Reham’s first husband Ijaz Rehman, PTI International Media Coordinator Anila Khawaja, and cricketer Wasim Akram, drawing prompt court notices against what seems to be no more than a scandalous and damaging method of revenge and retribution, charged at some of the major power players.

A few days ago, actor-anchor and PTI loyalist, Hamza Ali Abbasi reiterated his statement that there had, indeed, been versions of the book circulating online.

“Here is the summary: IK is the most evil man to walk the face of this planet. Reham is the most pious righteous (Tahajjud guzaar) woman ever,” he tweeted. Reham neither confirmed nor denied the revelations, but replied, “Hamza Abbasi claims he has read the manuscript when it’s not been published? Only possible through fraud or theft.”

Reham’s arch rivals have come to the unequivocal conclusion that the book has been written to malign Imran Khan just before the upcoming elections of 2018. Of course, they might be right, and the book might work to confuse Khan’s followers, and PTI members. However, the current situation seems to show the opposite as Khan’s followers continue to grow in number.

Most people find it immoral to reveal the relationship or personal grievances between a husband and wife. However, people continue to enjoy the gossip even as they shun it. This is because of our tradition of celebrating this kind of “reality TV show”, evidence of which can be found in hasty trends on social media. Such “content” becomes part and parcel of the intellectual and emotional aptitude of the newer generation, which forms the basis of the next society to come.

Although, crucial to its timing, thousands of its copies may breed waves of amusement into the general opinion, but if popularity is measured by the response of the people following a message that spearheads monumental change, no political opinion is bound to be shaped

After undertaking a thorough critique from the masses, the question arises, will Reham’s book matter to Imran’s followers? Taking it as an attack on their moral character, such people continue to support Imran, and will not lose their cause to an “enraged and betrayed” wife.

The book’s timing is crucial, and thousands of its copies may breed waves of amusement into the general opinion. But if popularity is measured by the response of the people following a message that spearheads monumental change, no political opinion is bound to be shaped.

The record of previous such books shows that they don’t change much in the grand scheme of things. My Feudal Lord, written by Tehmeena Durrani, wife to Ghulam Mustafa Khar, the then chief minister (CM) of Punjab, evoked the sentiment of hundreds of women within Pakistan who resonated with her image as an “obedient wife” to a “demonic husband”. But it did little to damage Khar.

Books like these fail to establish their place in society, and are hardly found achieving their objectives, but are, indeed, widely read, gossiped about, and then forgotten.

Khan’s resilience in the wake of the allegations concocted in a mystery that surrounds Reham’s book, is notable. He has held his ground ever since their divorce, and this shows a complete moral win that tilts in favour of the party chairman.

Abbasi’s persistent statements as a PTI spokesperson is a separate issue that can be explained through psychologies of impulsive aggression and idiocrasy. But Imran Khan’s attitude puts it all in place.

Time is witness to incidents when Khan has been highlighted by his political opponents. He has been defamed as a “Yahoodi Agent”, called a harasser, after a recent incident that involved Ayesha Gulalai, but all in vain.

He was also scandalised and made the focus of public scrutiny through the Sita White case and when he married his present wife Bushra Bibi. All is, now, done and dusted; Khan’s personality remains untarnished.

Margaret Thatcher, a controversial figurehead of the conservative ideology during her time in the British office said, “If they attack you personally, it means they have not a single political argument left.” Reham’s book promises to reveal personal details about Khan, who spent only nine months of his life with her.

Is one book, by one controversial writer, enough to overrule Khan’s 22-years of struggle?

The writer is a student of political science, and passionately pursues challenges brought by shifts in ideas and current affairs. She tweets at @EeshahOmer

Published in Daily Times, June 23^rd 2018.