The former sportsman, now the head of Pakistan's opposition party Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced the news on social media on Friday (30Oct15) and used the opportunity to heap praise on his estranged spouse.

"I have the greatest respect for Reham's moral character and her passion to work for and help the underprivileged," he wrote on Twitter. "This is a painful time for me and Reham and our families. I would request everyone to respect our privacy."

The couple wed in January (15).

Khan, 62, was previously married to British journalist Jemima Goldsmith for nine years before their split in 2004. They share two sons.