In a heartfelt plea from London, Jemima Goldsmith, the former spouse of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, has called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to fast-track the visa applications of her two sons. She emphasized the urgency of allowing Sulaiman and Kasim to travel to Pakistan to visit their father, who is currently incarcerated and reportedly facing health challenges.
Goldsmith revealed that her sons had submitted their visa applications back in January, yet they have been left waiting for approval for over two months. This delay is particularly troubling given that the Pakistan Consulate typically processes online visa applications within seven to ten working days. The extended wait has caused growing frustration and concern within the family, especially as the boys have been unable to maintain contact with their father during this difficult period.
Despite public assurances from prominent figures such as Khawaja Asif and Prime Minister’s adviser Mosharraf Zaidi, who had guaranteed the safe travel of Sulaiman and Kasim to Pakistan, these promises have not materialized. The lack of progress has left the family feeling isolated, as the two sons have neither been able to speak with Imran Khan over the phone nor send him letters. Their last meeting with their father dates back to 2022, shortly after Khan survived a reported assassination attempt, making the current separation even more painful.
In her direct appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Goldsmith highlighted reports concerning Imran Khan’s deteriorating health, urging the government to prioritize the visa issuance so that the children can be reunited with their father without further delay. This request comes amid ongoing tensions and complications surrounding Khan’s medical treatment while in custody.
Earlier developments revealed that plans to admit Imran Khan to a private hospital for specialized medical care were abruptly cancelled due to disagreements over the selection of attending physicians. PTI had proposed that Khan be treated at Shifa International Hospital for a minimum of ten days. However, the government agreed to hospitalisation only under strict conditions, including confidentiality about the treatment details and restrictions on visits by party workers.
The family had recommended Dr. Asim and Dr. Azmi for Khan’s care, but both names were rejected by the authorities. Subsequently, the government’s suggestion of Dr. Burki was also declined by the family. A later proposal to appoint Dr. Qasim Zaman failed to reach consensus, as both the family and the doctor expressed reservations. This deadlock has further complicated the situation, leaving Khan’s medical needs and family reunification in a state of uncertainty.
The ongoing visa delays and medical disputes underscore the broader political and humanitarian challenges surrounding Imran Khan’s current circumstances. As the family continues to advocate for their rights and the well-being of their patriarch, the eyes of many remain on the government’s next steps. Jemima Goldsmith’s public appeal adds a deeply personal dimension to this unfolding story, highlighting the human cost behind the political headlines.
