Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has clarified that the sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan are permitted to visit Pakistan without the need for visas, provided they use their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). This statement came in response to concerns raised by Khan’s former wife, Jemima Goldsmith, who had appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding delays in processing visa applications for their two sons, Kasim and Sulaiman.
Addressing the issue on the social media platform X, Tarar emphasized that the children’s travel to Pakistan can be facilitated smoothly through their NICOP cards, which grant them the status of Pakistani citizens living abroad. This means that unlike ordinary foreign nationals, they do not require separate visas to enter the country. The minister’s remarks aimed to dispel any confusion surrounding the visa process and reassure the public that the government is accommodating the family’s travel needs.
In addition to the travel arrangements, Tarar confirmed that Imran Khan would be able to communicate with his sons via telephone on Eid, continuing a practice that has been observed in previous years. The minister assured that the necessary arrangements for the Eid phone call would be made, allowing the former prime minister to connect with his children despite his current incarceration. This gesture highlights the government’s willingness to maintain family ties during significant religious occasions.
It is important to note that while Khan’s sons are welcome to visit Pakistan without visas, they are expected to adhere fully to the country’s laws during their stay. This stipulation underscores the government’s position that all visitors, regardless of their background, must respect legal protocols and regulations. The clarification came amid heightened public interest and media coverage surrounding the former prime minister’s family and their movements.
Jemima Goldsmith had publicly expressed frustration over the delays in visa issuance, which sparked discussions about the treatment of Imran Khan’s family members. Her appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif brought the matter into the spotlight, prompting official responses from government representatives. The Information Minister’s statement serves to address these concerns directly and provide transparency on the issue.
Overall, the developments reflect ongoing sensitivities around Imran Khan’s political and personal circumstances. The government’s approach, as articulated by Minister Tarar, seeks to balance legal requirements with humanitarian considerations, ensuring that the former prime minister’s children can maintain their connection to Pakistan without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. As Eid approaches, the assurance of a phone call and visa-free visits offers a measure of relief to the family and their supporters.
