Imran for settling paternity row in Pakistan

Former cricket star Imran Khan said on Thursday that he will submit to a blood test in his native Pakistan to settle a dispute over the paternity of a four-year-old Southern California girl.

Los Angeles superior court commissioner Anthony Jones ruled on Tuesday that Khan is the legal father of his ex-lover's child. He issued the default judgment after Khan refused to take a blood test for a genetic determination of paternity and his attorneys failed to show up for the court proceeding.

The paternity suit was filed by Sita White, who lives in Beverly Hills, on behalf of her daughter Tyrian Jade, who was born on June 15, 1992.

In a statement issued in London, Khan, 42, noted that he is now a Pakistani politician. Earlier this year, he was an unsuccessful candidate for prime minister.

''It is simply not possible for me to travel the world fighting court cases in every country,'' he said. ''My work is in politics and with my hospital in Pakistan

''As I do not live in California or in England, my response is to welcome Sita White to Pakistan where I live. And I would more than welcome the opportunity to present my side of the story in a Pakistani court, rather than conducting an undignified trial by media.

''I will, of course, be prepared to submit to a blood test in Pakistan and will fully stand by the decision of the competent Pakistani courts. In this way, speculation could be brought to an end and the matter would be settled once and for all,'' Khan said.

UNI

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Imran Khan fathered illegitimate child, rules California court