PTI founder's sons have applied for NICOP and visa, says Aleema Khan

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, has disclosed that the former prime minister's sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, have submitted applications for the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) along with visas to travel to Pakistan.

Speaking to reporters outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail on Saturday, Aleema stated that although both sons had previously held NICOPs, they were reportedly misplaced, which led to the need for reapplication.

This revelation comes shortly after Minister of State Talal Chaudhry cast doubt on Aleema’s earlier claim, questioning how the two brothers could be awaiting visas if they already possessed valid NICOPs. In response, Aleema clarified that fresh applications had been filed and even mentioned having the tracking number for the process.

However, she expressed concern that despite this, embassy officials insisted no application had been received in their system.

Aleema went on to say that a friend of hers had contacted the ambassador, who then suggested that visa approval would require clearance from the Ministry of Interior.

She added that she instructed the friend to approach Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directly for the necessary authorization.

"Confusion deepened when reports surfaced claiming that it was, in fact, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that would handle the visa issuance instead of the interior ministry," Khan said.

Aleema lamented that the ambassador has since stopped responding to inquiries about the matter.

The discussion around Sulaiman and Kasim’s travel plans coincides with circulating reports that Imran Khan had allegedly advised his sons not to return to Pakistan or engage in political matters.

These claims were quickly dismissed by PTI, which maintained that the brothers would be visiting Pakistan to see their father.

Imran Khan, 71, has been incarcerated since August 2023 and is currently facing a series of legal cases, including allegations of corruption and terrorism, following his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.

Aleema also addressed speculation linking her nephews' return to Pakistan with PTI’s planned protest campaign, which is expected to reach its peak on August 5.

She stated that the visit of Imran Kahn's sons has no connection to political activities and stressed that the momentum of the movement must come from the general public rather than family involvement.