The Imran Khan sons visas dispute has escalated after Kasim Khan accused Pakistani authorities of intentionally delaying travel documents for him and his brother. The sons of the jailed former prime minister say they want to visit their father but claim their visa applications remain unprocessed.
In a statement shared on social media, Kasim said his father has spent more than two years in custody under restrictive conditions. He alleged that Imran Khan’s health has worsened during this period and expressed concern about limited access to independent medical care. Therefore, he urged international human rights groups and foreign governments to intervene before what he described as “irreversible harm.”
The controversy follows renewed debate about the former premier’s medical condition. Recently, doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad performed an eye procedure after confirming that pressure in blood vessels had affected his vision. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have accused authorities of delaying the release of details about his health.
Kasim and his brother Suleiman first revealed in December 2025 that they planned to travel to Pakistan in January after submitting visa requests. However, they now allege that the process has stalled. The brothers have repeatedly claimed their father is being held in harsh conditions at Adiala Jail, with restrictions on communication and inconsistent compliance with court-approved contact.
Meetings with Imran Khan have remained contentious. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar previously confirmed that a blanket restriction on visits has been in effect since December 2025. Nevertheless, prison officials maintain that the former prime minister receives all facilities permitted for ‘B-Class’ inmates, including healthcare, exercise opportunities, reading materials, and tailored meals.
The Imran Khan sons visas issue also highlights broader political tensions. Imran Khan, 72, has been incarcerated since August 2023 following convictions in several cases. He insists the charges are politically motivated, a claim his party continues to support.
His first conviction stemmed from allegations of unlawfully selling state gifts, widely known as the Toshakhana case. Later rulings added lengthy sentences, including one linked to leaking a diplomatic cable and another related to a corruption case involving the Al-Qadir Trust. Prosecutors allege the charity benefited from improper land arrangements, while Khan has denied wrongdoing in all cases.
Legal proceedings remain ongoing, and dozens of cases filed since his removal from office in 2022 continue to shape Pakistan’s political landscape. PTI leaders argue the prosecutions aim to sideline him from public life and future elections.
For now, the visa dispute adds another layer to an already polarised environment. While the family calls for transparency and access, officials insist legal procedures are being followed. The situation is likely to draw continued scrutiny as questions persist over both the former prime minister’s health and his family’s ability to see him.