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The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday strongly criticised the federal government for allegedly obstructing the visa process of Imran Khan’s sons, saying their treatment reflects the authorities’ “fear” of the former prime minister’s children visiting Pakistan.
In a statement, PTI’s Central Information Secretary Mr Waqas clarified that Sulaiman and Kasim Khan hold National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs), giving them full constitutional rights to travel to Pakistan.
“The oppressive and tyrannical government was forced to lie out of fear of Imran Khan’s children coming to Pakistan, which shows how weak and cowardly they are,” he said, as reported by Dawn.
The party released tracking numbers showing that visa applications were submitted to the Pakistan High Commission in London. According to Waqas, while NICOPs may take several weeks to issue, visas can be granted within hours.
He added that the boys had received no response through official channels and accused authorities of shifting blame.
A day earlier, Aleema Khan, sister of the jailed PTI founder, spoke to reporters outside Adiala Jail and addressed apparent confusion over the documents. “The NICOP of one [of the brothers] is missing and the other can’t find his card, so they’ve submitted two applications: one to issue their NICOP, which is valid for the next six to seven years… and they have also applied for the visa which can be issued within an hour,” she said, as per Dawn.
She said it was their personal choice to apply for both documents, especially since they hold British passports. “So what issue does the interior ministry have in issuing a visa?” she questioned, adding that she had access to the application tracking numbers.
Interior Minister Tallal Chaudhry previously questioned the need for visas if the two already held NICOPs. He maintained that dual nationals could still receive consular assistance from the UK even if they entered Pakistan using NICOPs.
Meanwhile, conflicting views emerged from within the government. Senator Irfan Siddiqui stated that the two should be allowed entry and to “carry out their activities” within the framework of the law.
But Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik said they could not participate in political activity due to their British nationality and warned that visa violations could result in cancellation.
In an interview aired Friday night with Piers Morgan, Kasim Khan said he believed US President Donald Trump could help secure his father’s release. “If anyone can make a difference, he (Trump) can,” he said, reported Dawn. “They had great conversations when they were both in office and mutual respect for one another.”
He expressed hope for support from Trump, noting that warnings had circulated about possible arrest if they visited Pakistan.
“When we floated the idea of going, we were told by people in the Pakistani government that we would be arrested,” he said, as per Dawn. “So we’ve still tried to get our visas. We are still looking to go at some point.”
Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned at Adiala Jail since August 2023, is serving a sentence in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces multiple terrorism-related charges stemming from the May 9, 2023 protests.
Last week, PTI rejected reports that Khan had told jail visitors his sons would not come to Pakistan or lead any movement.
(With inputs from Dawn)
