Imran Khan comes to Reham's defence after NA-19 criticism

After harsh criticism from the party’s rank and file in the wake of Haripur by-election Imran Khan took to Twitter to clarify the role of his wife in the party affairs.

Reham Khan will not contest elections on a PTI ticket.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 18, 2015

PTI candidate Raja Ameer Zaman lost recent by-election in National Assembly constituency NA-19 in Haripur to his Muslim League-Nawaz rival by a big margin. Khan while clarifying his party’s stance over family politics said that the PTI is opposed to all forms of nepotism and Reham Khan will not hold any party position nor an official position in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province ruled by his party. Imran said that his wife will not be given any official protocol.

PTI is opposed to all forms of nepotism. Reham Khan will hold no party position, no position in KP; nor will be given any official protocol — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 18, 2015

Imran Khan said that his wife attended the election campaign in Haripur on the insistance of the party candidate.

PTI Chief said that Reham has only attended PTI functions at the constant insistence of PTI members, especially the women.

Imran Khan expressed his disgust over harsh criticism against Reham Khan by the party workers after the election loss.

I am appalled & disgusted by attacks on Reham after our loss in NA 19 elec. She only went to campaign there on insistence of the candidate.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 18, 2015

Reham Khan responds After her husband’s tweet, Reham also took to the micro-blogging site and shared her views as well.

I have supported the PTI cause so far because it is something my husband has devoted his life too. — Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) August 18, 2015

I would have supported anything my husband had put his heart & soul in. I see him work long hours alone for the the future of the nation.

— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) August 18, 2015

Khan & I have the same goal to see Pakistan prosper. He pursues it via a political party & I work voluntarily for educating our children. — Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) August 18, 2015

I repeatedly said every time I was asked that I am not interested in contesting as those who do haven’t made Pakistan any better.

— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) August 18, 2015

I had declined invitations for candidacy from political parties long before getting married to IK. — Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) August 18, 2015

Pakistani Twitterati reacts

Following Imran’s statements and Reham’s reaction on Twitter, Pakistani Twitterati started trending #RehamKhan on the micro-blogging site.

Its a good decision made by Imran Khan that Reham Khan will not hold any political position

— muhammad asghar (@bhatti3013) August 18, 2015

After a defeat by a huge margin of 60000 votes in NA 19 , Reham khan has been slaughtered to satisfy the workers. #PTI #RehamKhan

— Hamzah Siddique (@hamzahsiddiq) August 18, 2015

@ImranKhanPTI It is better for the time being ,when InshaAllah PTI will be in government,lots of opportunities for Reham Khan for activities

— farhatdar (@frhtdar) August 18, 2015

@ImranKhanPTI reham khan kpk govt official k sath meeting main,haqeeqat Jan kr geo pic.twitter.com/oEYnT989hD

— Saqlin Afridi (@AFRIDIHAFEEZ) August 18, 2015

@Khan_Arsalan That would be game changer for Reham Khan as she is so hungry for Power.

— ali (@codenamedecoy) August 18, 2015

Reham Khan is no doubt talented but to avoid unseen dangers associated with our politics, she needs to stay away from politics.Good decision

— Momina Rahman (@Sikandara) August 18, 2015

This is my leader . This is pure democratic leader who made a mistake then realized it and at the end of the day… https://t.co/mrkMknf4mG

— Tanzeel Nisar (@BeingTanzi) August 18, 2015

ok khan sahb isnot letting reham khan to any political activity i hope its not bcz of public pressure bcz public isnot expert in politics

— rufieee (@Rufaida7) August 18, 2015