It’s all over for Imran, Jemima

‘‘I sadly announce that Jemima and I are divorced,’’ Imran said in a brief statement issued by his party, Tehreek-e-Insaaf. ‘‘This was a mutual decision and is clearly very sad for both of us. My home and my future is in Pakistan. Whilst Jemima tried her best to settle here, my political life made it difficult for her to adapt to life in Pakistan.’’ They have two sons, Suleiman and Qasim.

Rumours of an impending split have intensified this year as Jemima, 30, spent more and more time in London where she is studying for a Master’s degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies. The daughter of the late Anglo-French billionaire Sir James Goldsmith immersed herself in Pakistani culture after marrying Imran, 21 years her senior, in 1995.

‘‘Never in my wildest dreams did I envisage a controversy such as this,’’ Imran once wrote. ‘‘I suppose if my marriage proves one point, it is that I am not a politician.’’

Questions have lingered over how well Jemima would bridge the gulf in lifestyles between London’s glitzy party circuit and conservative Pakistan. The couple also endured a US paternity suit by heiress Sita White, who alleged Imran was the father of her daughter, while Jemima was accused of trying to export antiques from Pakistan to Britain. The couple denied any wrongdoing. Neither Imran nor Jemima was available for comment. —(Reuters)