Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has clarified that Kasim and Sulaiman, the sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, are entitled to visit Pakistan using their National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) as recognized Pakistani citizens. This means that they do not require visas to enter the country. Tarar’s remarks come in the wake of a heartfelt appeal from Imran Khan’s former spouse, Jemima Goldsmith, who has been urging the government to facilitate her sons’ visit to see their father, currently imprisoned and reportedly facing serious health challenges.
Jemima Goldsmith had publicly expressed frustration over the delay in visa processing for her children, noting that despite applying in January, the consulate had not issued their visas even after 60 days. She highlighted that the usual processing time is between seven to ten working days, making the extended wait particularly concerning. This delay occurred despite assurances from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who had earlier promised that Kasim and Sulaiman would be able to travel safely to Pakistan to visit their father after a four-year separation.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s legal team has brought to light alarming health issues faced by the former cricket star during his incarceration. His lawyer informed the Supreme Court that Imran Khan has suffered significant vision loss in his right eye while in custody. However, a medical board later reported some improvement, stating that the swelling had decreased following treatment and that his vision had somewhat recovered. These developments have intensified calls for allowing his family to visit him, underscoring the emotional and humanitarian dimensions of the situation.
In response to these concerns, Information Minister Tarar assured that arrangements would be made for Imran Khan to have a phone call with his children on Eid day, continuing a practice that has been maintained in the past. He emphasized that while Kasim and Sulaiman are welcome to visit Pakistan using their NICOP cards, they must adhere strictly to all Pakistani laws during their stay. This statement aims to balance the government’s position on security and legal compliance with the humanitarian need to maintain family ties.
It is worth noting that the NICOP card serves as a vital document for overseas Pakistanis, granting them the status of Pakistani citizens and allowing them to enter the country without the need for a visa. This provision is especially significant for families like Imran Khan’s, who have members living abroad but maintain strong connections to Pakistan. The government’s acknowledgment of this right could pave the way for smoother family reunifications in sensitive cases.
In a related development, the ongoing health concerns of Imran Khan continue to draw national and international attention. The former prime minister’s condition has become a focal point in discussions about prison conditions and the treatment of political prisoners in Pakistan. As the country approaches Eid, the government’s decision to facilitate communication and potential visits by his children may help ease tensions and demonstrate a commitment to humane treatment.
