Pakistani politician Imran Khan ties the knot

Pakistani politician and cricket legend Imran Khan has tied the knot, reports confirmed on Thursday.

The leader of opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) wed former BBC journalist Reham Khan in what is said to have been a low-key affair.

The nikkah or wedding ceremony was conducted at the 62-year-old Khan's residence in Bani Gala, Islamabad and was attended by close family and friends. A reception is said to scheduled for Friday.

Photos showing the happy couple soon circulated on social media sites following the news.

The nuptials sparked controversy in Pakistan, dominating headlines this week after British media reported the pair had wed in secret.

Khan initially dismissed reports of his second marriage, saying they were "greatly exaggerated".

However, earlier this week the hugely-popular leader told journalists while leaving London: "I am going to Pakistan to share the good news of my marriage with the nation. I have nothing to hide."

"Getting married isn't a crime," he told a press conference upon his retun.

Reports of the wedding had provoked hostile reaction in Pakistan. According to the Daily Mail, sister Aleena also reacted with anger at the news.

Khan was previously wed to British socialite Jemima Goldsmith from 1995 to 2004. The pair have two sons.

His 41-year-old new bride is a divorced mother-of-three and a frequent commentator on Pakistani news channels