ISLAMABAD:
Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum said on Friday that the former prime minister’s sons had applied for Pakistani visas and were awaiting clearance from the interior ministry ahead of a planned visit.
Taking to X, Aleema stated: “A few days ago, Suleiman [Khan] and Kasim [Khan] applied for their visas with the Pakistan High Commission in London. The ambassador has intimated that he is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad”.
However, the Ministry of Interior refuted Aleema’s claims regarding visa applications for Imran’s sons, saying that no such requests were under consideration by the ministry.
According to sources in the interior ministry, no visa applications pertaining to Imran Khan’s sons were currently being processed or reviewed by the ministry. They clarified that the issuance of family visas – or any type of visa, for that matter – does not fall under the purview of the interior ministry.
“The assertion that the visa matter is being dealt with by the Ministry of Interior is contrary to the facts,” a source told The Express Tribune. The official added that such visas come under the jurisdiction of Pakistan’s high commissions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Her remarks also prompted a pointed response from Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, who took issue with her previous claim that the siblings already possessed National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop).
He questioned the need for a visa if they were, in fact, Pakistani nationals. “If they do need visas, that means they are not ‘Pakistani nationals’. What is the real truth behind it all?” he asked.
It is pertinent to note that Aleema had earlier insisted that Imran Khan’s sons were “citizens of Pakistan” and would “definitely” come to visit him in prison, citing their Nicop status. “If anything were to happen to Imran’s sons, it would become an international matter,” she had told reporters previously.
Earlier this week, the PTI had categorically denied media reports suggesting that the incarcerated party founder had told reporters in Adiala Jail that his sons would neither come to Pakistan nor take part in any protests.
While the government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, Chaudhry had earlier questioned what political role, if any, the two sons could assume. Nevertheless, he maintained they were welcome to visit and assured there would be no impediment to their entry.
“Visas would be issued to them in less than 24 hours,” he said, “provided they stayed within the law”.
