ISLAMABAD: Reham Khan, ex-wife of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, on Tuesday announced the launch of a new political party — the Pakistan Republic Party — aimed at representing women, farmers and other marginalized groups.
A journalist by profession, Reham first entered the political spotlight in January 2015 after marrying the cricketer-turned-politician, who was then chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
She was allegedly involved in behind-the-scenes politics that sparked controversy within PTI, with some senior party members uncomfortable with her presence and eventually sidelining her from party affairs.
The couple divorced less than a year later, with Reham later claiming that political pressure contributed to the split.
“Today, I am sharing the name [of my party] with you, InshAllah, Pakistan Republic Party, which would speak of a republic, where there will be no room for mob behavior, where horizontal leadership will be spoken about, and where those with working experience, what we call ‘lived experience’ in English, will be given representation,” she said at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club.
She pledged to push for legal reforms that improve the lives of ordinary citizens — especially women and farmers — and called for policies that reflect the public’s real struggles.
Reham described the initiative as a national mission rather than just a political movement, focused on restoring hope, dignity and meaningful representation.
“This is a party for the public,” she later said in a post on X. “I will involve you, the public, in the manifesto, the direction, the operating structure.”
“Already been connected to amazing people that you & I have never heard of, but they have been doing great work in their hometowns,” she continued. “These fresh faces will decide how to proceed.”
The announcement comes as PTI begins a 90-day “do or die” protest movement calling for Imran Khan’s release. The former premier remains in jail on multiple charges he says are politically motivated.
Earlier this month, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Jr., grandson of the late former prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, also announced plans to form a political party focused on farmers’ rights.
