Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, has confirmed that his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, have submitted applications for the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). She stated that although the brothers previously held NICOPs, the cards were misplaced, necessitating reapplication.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Aleema clarified that both Sulaiman and Kasim had indeed held NICOPs in the past, contrary to recent speculation. “They already had NICOPs, but the cards were lost. They’ve now applied for new ones along with visa applications,” she explained.
Her comments come in the wake of public scrutiny following earlier statements by government representatives questioning the necessity of reapplying for NICOP if the cards were already issued. The confusion was intensified by ongoing discussions surrounding the sons’ potential visit to Pakistan.
There has been speculation about whether Sulaiman and Kasim plan to travel to Pakistan to visit their father, who has been incarcerated since August 2023. The 71-year-old former prime minister has been entangled in a series of legal battles, including charges of corruption and terrorism, since his removal from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion.
Aleema Khan also addressed logistical issues surrounding the visa applications. She claimed to be in possession of the tracking numbers for both applications, despite some embassy officials asserting they had not received any paperwork. “A friend contacted the ambassador and was told that the Ministry of Interior’s permission is required. I responded by saying, let them get it from the Interior Minister,” she noted.
She further pointed out discrepancies in official responses, stating that there was confusion over whether the Ministry of Interior or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for issuing the visas. “At first, we were told the Interior Ministry had to approve the applications. Then yesterday, reports surfaced that the Foreign Affairs Ministry would handle it instead. Now, the ambassador isn’t even responding to our queries,” she said.
Aleema emphasized that her nephews’ visit has no connection to the political movement recently launched by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which is expected to reach its peak on August 5. She reiterated that the movement is grassroots and people-led, independent of any plans involving Sulaiman or Kasim.
The clarification by Aleema Khan aims to dispel misinformation and speculation surrounding the reissuance of NICOPs for Imran Khan’s sons and their expected visit to Pakistan. The matter remains sensitive, as it intersects both personal family visits and the broader political environment in which their father remains a central figure.
