Qasim and Suleman Khan say visa applications are under process; visit Pakistan expected in January
LONDON: Qasim Khan,son of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, has said that he and his brother Suleman have applied for visas and are planning to visit Pakistan in January to meet their father.
Speaking in an interview with British broadcaster Sky News, Qasim Khan said they are hopeful the visa process will be completed soon. “We have applied for our visas. They have not come yet, but we are expecting that the process will be completed, so we are planning to go in January,” he said.
His remarks come amid renewed concerns over Imran Khan’s detention conditions in Adiala Jail, after PTI alleged that authorities used water cannons mixed with chemicals to prevent his sisters from meeting him. The family and party leadership have repeatedly raised concerns regarding the former prime minister’s treatment in custody.
During the interview, Qasim and Suleman—who reside in London—were asked whether they had approached the Pakistani government for permission to meet Imran Khan, especially after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif previously stated that they were free to come and meet him.
Responding to the question, Qasim said they were encouraged by the public statement. “Now we are making plans because he has said it openly. As long as he stands by his word, we hope to go in January,” he said.
When asked whether he would discuss the possibility of a “deal” for Imran Khan’s release, Qasim firmly rejected the idea. He said his father views his struggle as his life’s purpose. “Imran Khan calls it his life’s purpose to rid Pakistan of corruption,” he stated.
Qasim added that if Imran Khan were to leave Pakistan and settle abroad, it would deeply affect him emotionally. “I know he would feel bad that he has left his country to be ruined. I know he would go into depression,” he said.
He further emphasized that while the family wishes to spend time with their father, they respect his larger mission. “We would like our father to watch all our cricket and football matches here, but he has a purpose much bigger than these things. You can only respect that,” Qasim said.
In Urdu :dailytimeline.pk
visit Pakistan expected in January
