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Jemima Alleges Visa Delay Tactics to Deny ‘British Protection’ to Imran Khan’s Sons
Jemima Goldsmith accuses govt of delaying visas for Imran Khan’s sons, claiming Nicop travel would leave them without British protection.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-19
Jemima Alleges Visa Delay Tactics to Deny ‘British Protection’ to Imran Khan’s Sons

Jemima Goldsmith has accused the Pakistani government of deliberately delaying visas for her sons, alleging that authorities are instead encouraging them to travel on National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicops) to strip them of British consular protection.

In a statement posted on X, Jemima responded to comments by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who had said that the sons of Imran Khan were welcome to visit Pakistan using Nicops, which do not require a visa, provided they comply with local laws.

Jemima rejected the suggestion, claiming the move could expose her sons to potential legal risks. “We all know that the reason you are refusing their visas and recommending they travel on Nicop cards is because that way they will have no British protection if you choose to arrest them on arrival,” she stated.

Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim Khan and Suleiman Khan, currently reside in London with their mother. They have reportedly been seeking to travel to Pakistan to visit their father, who remains incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

According to Jemima, the two applied for visas in January, but the process has taken significantly longer than the standard 7–10 working days outlined by the Pakistan consulate. She claimed that more than 60 days have passed without approval, despite assurances from senior government officials.

She further noted that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and other officials had previously indicated that the brothers could safely visit Pakistan after several years.

The issue has also been raised publicly by Kasim Khan, who last month alleged that the authorities were “deliberately” delaying the visa process. The brothers had initially planned to travel to Pakistan earlier this year, but their visit has yet to materialize due to the ongoing delays.

Meanwhile, government officials have maintained that the sons are eligible to travel on Nicops if they possess them, and must adhere to Pakistani laws during their stay.

The development has added to the ongoing political tensions surrounding Imran Khan, whose legal and political challenges continue to dominate Pakistan’s political landscape.
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