ISLAMABAD — Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has clarified that former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, can visit Pakistan as Pakistani citizens using their National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), with no visa required.
The announcement comes after Jemima Goldsmith, Imran Khan’s former spouse, appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to facilitate her children’s visit to the jailed PTI founder, citing concerns over his health. Imran Khan’s lawyer informed the Supreme Court that the ex-prime minister had experienced temporary vision problems in his right eye while in custody, though a subsequent medical board confirmed that swelling had reduced and his vision had improved.
Minister Tarar added that Imran Khan’s customary phone call with his children would be arranged for Eid, as in previous years. He emphasized: “His children are welcome to visit Pakistan on their NICOP cards as Pakistani citizens, for which no visa is required. They will, however, fully comply with the laws of Pakistan during their stay.”
Jemima Goldsmith had previously expressed frustration on social media over delays in visa processing. She noted that her sons applied for visas in January, yet after 60 days there had been no response, despite the consulate normally processing online visa applications within 7–10 working days. She also highlighted that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had publicly assured that the boys could safely travel to Pakistan to see their father after four years.
With this statement, the government effectively confirms that Kasim and Sulaiman Khan can now travel to Pakistan without visa hurdles, reinforcing their rights as Pakistani citizens.
