Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, has stated that the sons of PTI founder Imran Khan will face no obstacles in obtaining visas or National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) if they apply. Speaking on Geo News’ Naya Pakistan, the PML-N senator emphasized that the government would process their applications without delay. He even offered to personally intervene if provided with the tracking number of their application, reiterating the administration’s openness to dialogue on national issues.
The remarks came after Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, revealed that his sons—Kasim and Sulaiman—had applied for NICOPs, which they previously held but lost. Reports had earlier suggested that the brothers were barred from visiting Pakistan, but PTI dismissed these claims, asserting their intention to meet their father, who has been imprisoned since August 2023. The former prime minister faces multiple cases, including corruption and terrorism charges, following his ouster in April 2022.
Kasim Khan recently voiced concerns over his father’s detention, highlighting Imran Khan’s solitary confinement, restricted legal access, and isolation from family. In a social media post, he condemned the treatment as unjust, framing it as an attempt to silence a leader advocating for democracy and rule of law. Meanwhile, PTI has intensified its anti-government campaign, demanding Khan’s release by August 5—marking two years since his incarceration.
The PTI’s renewed protests follow stalled negotiations with the government over demands for a judicial probe into last year’s May 9 riots and Islamabad protests. As political tensions persist, the government’s assurance on visa facilitation for Khan’s sons contrasts with the broader standoff, underscoring the complex dynamics between the ruling coalition and the opposition.