Reham Khan by Khan Reham

Author:Khan, Reham [Khan, Reham]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SK Publishing Ltd
Published: 2018-07-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

I n the first ‘official’ month of marriage, I happily entertained the PTI leaders and their wives to small, home-cooked dinners. To my surprise, these would become open political discussions and decision-making exercises. The obvious chaos and the lack of decorum shocked me. I never got involved or went down to the secretariat to sit in on any PTI meetings, although I would later be accused of doing exactly that. I never personally tried to make contact or build a relationship with any position holder or donor to the party.

At the first dinner, the topic of discussion was GEO, the broadcaster Imran and PTI had boycotted. It was interesting to see how their viewpoints would change as they moved from the withdrawing room to the dining room, and sat next to different people. It was decided that the boycott was to be ended, and that I would be sent to talk. Imran asked me to meet Ibrahim Mir, the CEO, for a one-on-one to break the ice. He was entertained to an elaborate lunch at JKT’s house. For over three hours, Ibrahim lamented how Imran had betrayed his trust and embarrassed him in front of his own father, Mir Shakil. He sounded heartbroken. I told Ibrahim that I was not PTI, and nor was I Imran. I had certain rules. If he violated them, I wouldn’t help facilitate communication. I explained the first one: that Ibrahim would only talk to me, and I would convey directly to Imran. ‘’If you involve anyone else, I will back off,” I told him. Ibrahim met with Shireen Mazari that same evening. I sent him a simple text saying that I would not now get involved.

Imran and Ibrahim were both desperate to patch up their differences. Ibrahim had suggested a good way of saving face for both parties: Imran and I could do a telethon for SKMT fundraising as a couple. It was a great marketing ploy. It would be seen as a goodwill gesture by PTI supporters who had been made to hate GEO. Imran agreed, but then, without consulting or informing me, gave the telethon to the rival channel ARY. The fundraising telethon was broadcast live from the secretariat in Bani Gala. Imran had conveniently thrown a tantrum over something the night before, so never spoke to me in the morning about this either. He made sure I would not find out (perhaps because he’d been so admonished for the interview we had done together after the marriage). I was also aware that Aleema wanted me to stay well clear of SKMT and IKF, which I did. Celebrities arrived from all over the country but I only found out about the telethon once it had actually started. I stayed in our bedroom the entire evening.

At the time, I understood that there was pressure from the stepchildren and the ex, and I thought it would be sensible to stay out of sight for a while. I also knew that the kids were threatening not to visit.

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