Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has clarified that the sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Kasim and Sulaiman, are entitled to visit Pakistan using their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). As recognized Pakistani citizens, they do not require a visa to enter the country. This announcement comes amid heightened public attention regarding the health condition of the jailed ex-premier, whose family has been seeking permission for visits.
Tarar’s remarks were 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 sons’ visit to their father. Jemima highlighted the urgency due to growing concerns about Imran Khan’s deteriorating health while in custody. The former cricket star’s legal team recently informed the Supreme Court that he has suffered significant vision loss in his right eye during detention, raising alarms about his medical care.
Despite these concerns, a medical board assigned to evaluate Imran Khan’s condition reported some improvement, noting that the swelling around his eye had decreased following treatment, and his vision had somewhat recovered. The government has also committed to arranging a phone call between Imran Khan and his children on Eid, continuing a practice that has been in place previously to maintain family contact during his incarceration.
Minister Tarar emphasized that while Kasim and Sulaiman are welcome to visit Pakistan using their NICOP cards, they must adhere strictly to all Pakistani laws throughout their stay. This statement underscores the government’s position on maintaining legal protocols even as it permits family visits, balancing humanitarian considerations with regulatory compliance.
Earlier, Jemima Goldsmith took to social media to express frustration over delays in visa processing for her sons. She revealed that Kasim and Sulaiman had applied for visas in January, expecting the usual 7 to 10 working days for approval. However, more than two months later, their applications remained pending, despite public assurances from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif that the brothers would be allowed to travel safely to Pakistan after a four-year gap to see their father.
This situation has drawn significant public and media attention, reflecting the broader political and humanitarian sensitivities surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment and the rights of his family members. The government’s recent clarification regarding NICOP usage aims to address some of these concerns, offering a clear legal pathway for the sons’ visits while maintaining the country’s immigration and security protocols.
