Islamabad: The Pakistan government on Saturday said there is “no embargo” on former prime minister Imran Khan’s sons meeting their incarcerated father, provided they travel to the country.
Clarifying the government’s position, Interior State Minister Talal Chaudhry told reporters that Suleman Khan and Kasim Khan are free to meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. “There has been no embargo on Suleman Khan and Kasim Khan to meet their father, Imran Khan, at Adiala Jail,” Chaudhry said.
The statement comes amid reports that Pakistani authorities have imposed unannounced restrictions on meetings with the former prime minister, citing concerns that visitors were using such interactions for political purposes. These reports had triggered criticism from Khan’s family and party members, who raised concerns over his treatment and conditions inside the jail.
Suleman and Kasim Khan, who currently live in London, are Imran Khan’s sons from his first marriage to British TV personality Jemima Goldsmith. Earlier this week, the brothers expressed fears about their father’s wellbeing, saying in an interview with Sky News that they worry they might never see their jailed father again.
Imran Khan has been lodged at Adiala Jail following his conviction in multiple cases. The issue of access to him has remained a contentious political topic, with his supporters alleging political victimisation, while the government maintains that all actions are being taken in accordance with the law.