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Govt Says Imran Khan’s Sons Can Visit Pakistan Without Visa Amid Ongoing Dispute
Info Minister Attaullah Tarar says Imran Khan’s sons can visit Pakistan on NICOP, no visa needed, after concerns raised by Jemima Goldsmith.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-18
Govt Says Imran Khan’s Sons Can Visit Pakistan Without Visa Amid Ongoing Dispute

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that the sons of former prime minister Imran Khan are welcome to visit Pakistan using their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), asserting that no visa is required for their entry.

Tarar’s statement came in response to an appeal made by Jemima Goldsmith, who had raised concerns over delays in the issuance of visas for her sons, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan.

In a post on X, the minister clarified that as Pakistani citizens holding NICOP, the two brothers do not require visas to enter the country. However, he emphasised that they would be expected to comply fully with Pakistani laws during their stay.

He also announced that arrangements would be made for Imran Khan to speak with his children via phone on the occasion of Eid, as has been done previously.

Kasim and Sulaiman, who reside in London with their mother, have reportedly not met their father since 2022. Imran Khan is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

Earlier this week, Jemima publicly appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stating that her sons had applied for Pakistani visas in January but had yet to receive approval after more than 60 days, despite standard processing times being significantly shorter.

She further noted that assurances had previously been given by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and other officials that the sons would be able to safely visit Pakistan to see their father.

In her statement, Jemima expressed concern that her sons had been unable to communicate with Imran Khan, alleging that they had not been permitted phone contact or correspondence. She also cited concerns about his health as a reason for the urgency of their visit.

Kasim Khan had earlier alleged that the delay in processing their visas was deliberate. Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the government had been reluctant to approve their travel documents.

Adding to the complexity, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, had stated that the two brothers had applied not only for visas but also for the renewal of their NICOPs. This raised questions about their travel eligibility, as officials pointed out that valid NICOP holders typically do not require visas.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly criticised the government, calling the delays “deeply concerning” and accusing authorities of political victimisation.

In an official statement, the party said the situation reflected a failure to uphold basic human values and family rights. It argued that preventing the former prime minister’s sons from meeting or communicating with their father was against the norms of a civilised society.

The party also questioned the delay in renewing the brothers’ NICOPs, suggesting that the lack of response indicated bad faith on the part of the government.

PTI urged authorities to allow the visit on humanitarian grounds, especially given reported concerns about Imran Khan’s health. It further stated that using family matters for political purposes was both immoral and a violation of fundamental human rights.

The issue continues to draw public and political attention, highlighting tensions between the government and the opposition, as well as raising broader questions about due process and humanitarian considerations.
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