Imran Khan's sons are eligible for visas if they apply, according to Talal Chaudhry
In the political landscape of Pakistan, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has announced an anti-government campaign, set to reach its climax on August 5. The objective of this protest movement is to secure the release of party founder Imran Khan, who will complete two years in jail on the same day.
Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, has been in prison since August 2023, following his ouster from power via the opposition's no-trust motion in April 2022. Since then, he has been booked in multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism.
Kasim and Sulaiman, Imran Khan's sons, have reportedly applied for National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) to travel to Pakistan, as their old NICOPs were lost. They have submitted their applications at the Pakistan High Commission in London and are awaiting approval, which is reportedly pending with the Interior Ministry. However, the Interior Ministry has denied any involvement in visa processing.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has assured that if the sons have applied for visas, they will be issued without obstruction. He also expressed his readiness to assist in resolving any delays if provided with application tracking details.
There is some controversy about the nationality status of Kasim and Sulaiman, as they hold NICOPs, which typically do not require visas to enter Pakistan, raising questions whether they truly need visas or possess Pakistani nationality.
The PTI has criticized government claims of not receiving visa applications, stating that Sulaiman and Kasim have been contacting the embassy through normal channels but received no response. The party also disputes claims that Imran Khan barred his sons from visiting Pakistan or participating in political activities.
Meanwhile, Talal Chaudhry has emphasized the government's stance to hold dialogue on national issues. He also mentioned that several attempts have been made in the past to initiate talks on critical matters.
As the PTI's anti-government campaign gains momentum, the fate of Imran Khan's sons and their ability to visit their father remains uncertain, amid disputes over their nationality and visa status.
- The PTI, during their anti-government campaign, has raised concerns about the travel restrictions on Imran Khan's sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, as they await the approval of their National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) applications to visit Pakistan.
- As the political landscape in Pakistan evolves, policy-and-legislation surrounding travel and nationality are under scrutiny, with the PTI highlighting the general-news of Kasim and Sulaiman's visa application status amidst the ongoing campaign against the government.
