Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has clarified that the sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Kasim and Sulaiman, are permitted to visit Pakistan using their National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). As holders of these cards, they are recognized as Pakistani citizens and therefore do not require a visa to enter the country. This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about the health condition of the jailed PTI leader and the difficulties faced by his family in securing travel permissions.
The statement was made in response to an appeal from Imran Khan’s former wife, Jemima Goldsmith, who has been urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to facilitate her two sons’ visit to their father. Jemima has expressed growing concern over Imran Khan’s deteriorating health while in custody, emphasizing the emotional and humanitarian need for the children to see their father. The issue has attracted significant public attention, especially after reports surfaced regarding Imran Khan’s medical condition.
Legal representatives of Imran Khan informed the Supreme Court that the former cricket star has suffered a substantial loss of vision in his right eye during his detention. However, a medical board appointed to assess his condition later reported that the swelling around his eye had decreased following treatment, and some improvement in vision had been noted. Despite these mixed medical opinions, the government has assured that Imran Khan will be able to communicate with his children on Eid, maintaining the tradition of family contact during the festive occasion.
Minister Tarar emphasized that arrangements will be made for Imran Khan to have a phone call with his sons on Eid day, similar to previous years. He reiterated that Kasim and Sulaiman are welcome to visit Pakistan using their NICOP cards, which grant them the status of Pakistani citizens and exempt them from visa requirements. However, he also stressed that the children must adhere to all Pakistani laws during their stay, ensuring that their visit complies fully with legal and security protocols.
Earlier, Jemima Goldsmith had taken to social media to highlight the prolonged delay in visa processing for her sons. She revealed that Kasim and Sulaiman had applied for visas in January, expecting the usual processing time of 7 to 10 working days. However, more than two months later, the visas had not been issued, causing frustration and concern. This delay occurred despite public assurances from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who had promised that the boys would be able to travel safely to Pakistan to see their father after a gap of four years.
The situation underscores the complexities surrounding the family’s efforts to maintain contact with Imran Khan during his incarceration. It also reflects broader tensions within Pakistan’s political landscape, where the former premier’s health and legal battles continue to draw national and international scrutiny. The government’s current stance aims to balance humanitarian considerations with security and legal frameworks, allowing the children to visit while ensuring compliance with Pakistani laws.
