Imran hits hat-trick, marries spiritual guide

Lahore: Imran Khan has married for a third time -- this time his "spiritual guide", ending weeks of speculation about the 65-year-old flamboyant Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician's marital status. The spokesperson of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Fawad Chaudhary said the party chief married Bushra Maneka, a "respected Pir" (faith healer) in a simple ceremony here on Sunday.

The ceremony was held at the residence of Bushra's brother in Pakpattan and PTI Central Executive Committee member Mufti Muhammad Saeed performed the 'nikah', Chaudhary said in a night tweet. 

Pictures of the private ceremony, showing Bushra in a full veil, were posted on the Twitter account of the party. The wedding ceremony which was attended by Khan's mother-in-law and other family members. "Marriage is the combination of two hearts and two souls, which join each other on this special day of the wedding. Wishing (the couple) a very happy and blessed married life," the PTI spokesperson said.

"The valima ceremony will also be held in a simple manner in a few days," he said. Khan's sisters were not present in the ceremony triggering rumours that he had not taken them into confidence about his third marriage. Bushra, also known as 'Pinky Pir', is in her late 40s and has five children from her first marriage. 

Earlier, she was married to a senior customs official in Islamabad Khawar Fareed Maneka but parted ways recently. Bushra Maneka belongs to the Wattoo clan, of which the Manekas are a sub-clan.