Recent media claims that party founder Imran Khan forbade his sons from traveling to Pakistan or taking part in any activities associated with his release have been categorically denied by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Waqas Akram, the PTI’s central information secretary, referred to these reports as “wholly untrue” and requested media outlets to exclusively cover Imran Khan’s genuine statements during jail visits.
In May 2024, Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman Khan, 28, and Kasim Khan, 26, made their first public admission of their father’s incarceration. Aleema Khan, Imran’s sister, said earlier this month that the sons intended to travel to the US before going back to Pakistan to join the campaign for their father’s release.
Imran Khan has been incarcerated at Adiala Jail since August 2023 in connection with a £190 million corruption case. He is also still being tried under the Anti-Terrorism Act for the May 9, 2023, protests. Political tensions in Pakistan have escalated as a result of these court cases.
The controversy arose when some media reports quoted Imran Khan allegedly stating at Adiala Jail that his sons would not come to Pakistan or take part in protests demanding his freedom. Reacting promptly, PTI rejected these claims, emphasizing that Imran Khan has never stopped his children from visiting or engaging in political activities.
“There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Imran Khan’s children will come to Pakistan,” Waqas Akram explained. The precise date is the one aspect that is still up for debate. He went on to say that Imran’s boys had told their father about their plans, stressing that they had not asked for his consent but had instead kept him updated. Akram denounced the dissemination of such “propaganda,” describing it as unfounded and ineffective.
The issue has also drawn comments from political figures outside PTI. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the entire episode as “one drama among many,” suggesting the reports were politically motivated. He criticized the focus on a potential reunion between father and sons, arguing it was a tactic aimed at political gain rather than genuine concern.
The conflicting narratives underscore the highly charged political atmosphere in Pakistan, where developments around Imran Khan’s imprisonment continue to dominate headlines. Supporters of PTI remain hopeful for his release and view the involvement of his sons in political activities as part of the broader movement for justice.
In conclusion, PTI’s quick rebuttal to the media claims affirms that Imran Khan’s sons will indeed come to Pakistan, dispelling rumors of any restrictions imposed by the former prime minister himself. The exact timing of their visit remains uncertain, but the party stresses the importance of accurate reporting and cautions against misinformation.
As political debates and legal proceedings continue to unfold, the focus remains on how the PTI leadership and Imran Khan’s family navigate these challenging times. The public and media alike await further updates on the sons’ return and their role in the ongoing political landscape.
