Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has clarified that the sons of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan are free to visit Pakistan at any time. Both Suleman Khan and Qasim Khan possess valid National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs), which permit them to enter the country without needing a visa.
Asif highlighted that the last time Imran Khan’s sons traveled to Pakistan was in 2022, using their NICOPs. He emphasized that just as they were able to visit then, they can do so now, as their NICOPs remain valid. The decision to visit Pakistan rests entirely with them.
The defense minister also dismissed allegations from PTI leaders and members of Imran Khan’s family suggesting that the government was obstructing the travel process for his sons. He stated that such claims are unfounded, as the valid NICOPs eliminate the need for visas, and no visas are being withheld.
Specifically, Suleman Khan’s NICOP is valid until January 6, 2030, while Qasim Khan’s NICOP remains valid through November 8, 2032.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting rejected accusations that Imran Khan has been denied communication with his family. The ministry condemned certain foreign media reports as misleading and part of a deliberate propaganda campaign driven by a “foreign agenda.”
official prison records, Imran Khan has maintained telephone, landline, and WhatsApp contact with family members both in Pakistan and abroad. Notably, a phone call between the 73-year-old former premier and one of his sons took place on March 21, 2026. Additionally, meetings between Imran Khan and his sisters were documented on August 18, 19, and 25.
It is important to note that Imran Khan has been incarcerated at Aadiala jail since August 5, 2026, following convictions by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in multiple cases. Both party members and his family assert that these cases are politically motivated.
