Islamabad – Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has clarified that his sons, Sulaiman and Qasim Khan, have officially applied for both National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) and visas to visit Pakistan.
Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, Aleema stated that while the sons had previously held NICOPs, one had expired and the other was reportedly lost. “They already had NICOPs. One was misplaced, the other expired. Applications have been submitted and are being tracked,” she explained.
Her clarification comes amid political speculation and contradictory statements from government officials regarding the brothers’ legal status and travel permissions.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Interior claimed the ministry had not received any visa applications, noting that visa-related matters fall under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the jurisdiction of Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry questioned the nature of the sons’ nationality, stating, “If they truly hold NICOPs, why would they require visas? The public deserves the truth.”
PTI representatives, however, accused the government of deliberately obstructing the process. They claimed the sons are being prevented from visiting their father in a move meant to exert psychological pressure during his detention.
Aleema Khan also dismissed claims that Imran Khan had asked his sons not to visit. “That’s false. The decision to come or not has nothing to do with any protest movement. It’s a personal matter,” she added.
The sons’ visit has garnered attention as Imran Khan remains incarcerated in connection with multiple May 9-related cases. PTI has announced plans for a nationwide protest on August 5, though Aleema insists the visit is unrelated.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.