Ex-wife confirms Imran's escape from Lahore

London, Nov 7: Jemima Khan, former wife of cricket star turned politician Imran Khan confirmed that her ex-husband has escaped house arrest in Pakistan and gone into hiding.

She released an email from her former husband saying he gave police the slip after they ransacked his home in Lahore and roughed up family members.

In his email, Mr Khan wrote ''they are using sheer force against lawyers, human rights organisations, political activists and all genuine opposition leaders are in jail.'' ''The police have ransacked my house and ill-treated my family members,'' he said as he escaped after intelligence sources warned him that he was to be taken to prison.

Mr Khan also accused the United States of being complicit in Pakistan military ruler President Pervez Musharraf's decision to declare a state of emergency, because he was a key ally in the war on terror. He said, they are backing Musharraf as he could never get his way if they were serious about stopping him.

''Our aim is to continue the struggle and mobilise the youth of the country from underground.'' said the former Pakistan cricket captain in the mail messaged to her ex wife.

Jemima Khan condemned Britain and the US for a muted response, and rejected Musharraf's claim to be defending Pakistan against Islamic extremism.

''Musharraf needs extremists to guarantee his support from the West and to stay in power, his real goal,'' alleged Ms Jemina.

She said her ex-husband was now in hiding ''along with most of his party and his thousands who fear reprisals for criticising the government.'' UNI