Imran’s sons have applied for both Nicop and visa: Aleema Khan

Aleema Khanum, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, clarified on Saturday that his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, have applied for National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) and visas to visit Pakistan.

The clarification comes after confusion regarding their immigration status and the need for visas. Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 in a £190 million corruption case, Aleema stated that one son's NICOP was lost and the other could not locate his card. As a result, both have reapplied for NICOPs and submitted visa applications.

“They have British passports and NICOPs valid for six to seven years. So what issue does the interior ministry have in issuing visas?” she questioned, adding that she had tracking numbers for both applications.

The sons, who have publicly protested their father’s incarceration, have yet to confirm when they will arrive in Pakistan. Their political participation, however, remains uncertain due to their British nationality.

Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry said that if the brothers enter Pakistan using their NICOPs, they would be treated as dual nationals. He added that visa applications could be processed within hours, should they comply with the law.

State Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik stated that foreign nationals are not allowed to assemble politically in Pakistan, and any violation of visa conditions could lead to cancellation.

The PTI, meanwhile, has denied media reports claiming Imran Khan discouraged his sons from visiting or joining protests. Aleema earlier said the brothers were visiting the US to engage lawmakers as part of a campaign for their father's release.