
Govt creating visa hurdles to IK's sons: PTI
Talking to journalists, PTI spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram said the sons of Imran Khan — Suleman and Kasim — are Pakistani nationals holding National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs), and should be legally allowed to enter the country.
The party alleged that the authorities have not responded to the visa applications submitted to the Pakistan High Commission in London.
Akram said both applications had been filed and assigned tracking numbers, but claimed that officials cited the need for clearance from Islamabad and the Ministry of Interior, followed by a lack of response.
'IK's sons submit visa applications'
'The Ministry of Interior has stated that visa issuance falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ambassador,' he said, adding that this contradicted official statements that no applications had been received.
PTI also released NICOP details for both sons. Kasim's NICOP expired in 2021 and is currently under renewal, while Suleman's document remains valid until 2030.
The party called on the government to facilitate their entry rather than delay it, describing the obstruction as politically motivated.
Separately, PTI condemned what it described as a crackdown on party members and the closure of motorways ahead of its planned nationwide protest on August 5.
The Punjab government said the restrictions were related to the visit of the Iranian president.
PTI has called for mass demonstrations to demand judicial independence, media freedom, and the release of its leader.
The party maintains that Imran Khan's imprisonment is politically driven and unconstitutional.
Khan, a former cricket star and prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has faced multiple legal challenges since his ouster from office.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
PTI not a political party but a fascist group: Azma Bokhari
Listen to article Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Monday said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was not a political party but a fascist group that seeks to destabilise the country. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, she accused PTI of promoting unrest and undermining national interests. She claimed that PTI had fled from the Sambrial and Muridke by-elections out of fear of public rejection. 'This group caused the May 9 incidents—an event that must not be forgiven, or it will keep repeating,' she said. Bokhari stressed that only the Supreme Court holds the authority to impose bans but insisted that 'to move the country forward, it is essential to rid ourselves of this chaos-spreading party'. Bokhari questioned the political legitimacy of PTI, referring to its alleged role in guerrilla-style conspiracies. 'Is a group waging guerrilla war and conspiring against Pakistan a political party?' she asked, adding, 'The terrorist group will not be allowed to destroy Pakistan's law and order.' Read: PTI alliance mobilises for August 5 'power show' Referring to PTI's protest planned for August 5, she said no one is ready to accept responsibility for the day. She criticised PTI for calling for processions while remaining silent on national causes. Responding to reports of a potential deal for PTI's founder to leave the country, Bokhari said, 'I've heard about the deal, but I don't know for sure'. Turning to foreign affairs, she accused PTI chief Imran of advancing American interests, stating, 'The Jewish lobby has relaunched its product; Khan promoted American interests'. She ridiculed Imran's previous stance on independence, saying, 'Are we slaves? Is real freedom being promoted through ads? Previously, he asked for freedom from America; now, even his son is demanding freedom'. 'Instead of threatening America, now write on vehicles: 'Trump, only you are our hope',' she added mockingly. Bokhari stated that even PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur had acknowledged Punjab's development during a visit to Lahore. She said, 'They talk of 'final calls', but their protest movements never materialise—protest calls on November 26 and April 9 were both cancelled'. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to national interest, highlighting Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's zero-tolerance policy on sugar hoarding. 'Many arrests have been made, and the government will take custody of stockpiled sugar from mills,' she said. She concluded by asserting that the current government was committed to protecting Pakistan's welfare, saying, 'This is a government that safeguards the interests of the people.'


Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PTI alliance mobilises for August 5 'power show'
Listen to article The PTI under the auspices of an opposition parties' alliancethe Tehreek Tahaffuz Ain-e-Pakistan (TTAP)is going to launch its much touted protest movement against the "illegal" detention of PTI founder Imran Khan from tomorrow — Tuesday. According to the protest plan, August 5 — the day when Imran Khan was arrested from Lahore two years back in a corruption case — will be observed as a Black Day across the country. "On August 5 (tomorrow), a nationwide protest will be held under the flags of Pakistan, the PTI, and the white flag of peace," announced TTAP Secretary General Asad Qaiser in an emergency press conference held on Sunday at the PTI District Secretariat in Swabi. He said August 5 marks the completion of two years since Imran Khan's "illegal" arrest and the opposition will hold peaceful protests throughout Pakistan. Qaiser emphasized that the movement would remain entirely within the constitutional and legal framework and would be conducted in a peaceful manner. He said if there is any evidence against Imran Khan then it should be presented in an open court on merit so the nation can learn the truth. He claimed the judiciary is no longer independent, and that court decisions are now influenced by the executive. "Imran Khan is the most popular and dignified leader of this nation, who not only elevated Pakistan's image internationally but also gave the nation a vision," he added. "His legal and constitutional rights are being violated, which is a direct attack on democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law." PTI's Shahram Khan Tarakai, who also spoke at the press conference, said on August 5, provincial organizations and elected assembly members will stage protests in various cities, adding that both the TTAP and the PTI are fully prepared. He stressed that the movement is not a temporary reaction but a sustained democratic struggle that will continue until its objectives are achieved. "Our movement is peaceful and we will once again prove that Imran Khan's supporters are law-abiding citizens who respect the Constitution." He further stated that their struggle is for the supremacy of the Constitution, protection of fundamental human rights, and judicial independence. "Every individual must raise their own voice for their rights — only then will they be heard." Asad Qaiser, who served as the National Assembly speaker during the PTI's rule, demanded that judges ensure justice by delivering verdicts on merit in open courts with media presence. He called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 thoroughly, and for those found responsible to be punished in accordance with the law. He also questioned the weakening state of parliament, noting that now a government official deletes words from members' speeches, "which reflects the degradation of the speaker's role". Qaiser said the party would soon decide whether or not to remain part of the current parliamentary system. He demanded transparent judicial proceedings in all pending cases in the Islamabad High Court concerning Imran, his wife Bushra Bibi, and other party leaders, with full protection of their legal and constitutional rights. Speaking at a rally in Buner as part of the protest movement, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said political tensions escalated nationwide after the events of May 9 and have yet to subside. "Our members have been subjected to legal cases, punishments, and disqualifications. PTI's MPAs, MNAs, and Senators are being declared ineligible, which is only adding fuel to the fire," he added. He said the demand for the release of Imran is the voice of 70% of the people, the voice of 170 million citizens. "This voice cannot be suppressed any longer because the voice of the people is the voice of democracy," he said. The PTI has finalized its plan of action for the August 5 protest, according to the instruction of Imran Khan. Instead of marching toward Islamabad or holding a central rally, it has been decided that protests will be held in every district. In Peshawar, a rally will be taken out from Hayatabad Toll Plaza to Qila Bala Hisar, which will continue into the night. In Peshawar and Khyber districts, a rally will begin at 3:30pm from Hayatabad Toll Plaza on Ring Road and proceed to Qila Bala Hisar, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. In Swabi, participants will gather at the Ambar Interchange, and a one-day protest will be held. The protest will start at 3:30 pm and continue until Isha prayers. In Nowshera, party workers will gather at Khairabad, Nowshera and also hold a one-day protest, beginning at 3:30pm and continuing until Isha prayers. All members of the National Assembly and the K-P Assembly and ticket holders have been instructed to record videos of their gatherings from their Hujras, Deras, or starting points and submit these to their respective district organizations, which will then forward them to the regional leadership.


Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, Iran set $10b trade target
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian President Dr Massud Pezeshkian and other dignitaries witness the signing ceremony of various MoUs and agreements between the two countries. Photo: Express Listen to article Pakistan and Iran agreed to increase their bilateral trade from current $3 billion to $10 billion in the talks between the visiting Iranian president and the prime minister here on Sunday, in a move suggesting the shifting geostrategic dynamics bringing the two neighbours closer. Iranian President Massud Pezeshkian travelled to Pakistan on his first official visit since assuming the office and following the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. Pakistan rolled out red-carpet welcome to President Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally received him at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, in a rare gesture signalling not just a protocol but Pakistan's intent to deepen ties with the neighbouring country. The timing of the visit was no coincidence as it came at a time when the Israel-Iran conflict remained fresh, Gaza under siege and a host of other regional developments. Pakistan's move to host the Iranian president at a time when the US is seeking its further isolation shows its pursuit of following the independent foreign policy. The formal talks were held at the Prime Minister House with focus on multiple issues ranging from bilateral ties to the current regional and international developments. According to the PM office, the two leaders held a one-on-one meeting, which was followed by delegation-level talks. The Pakistani side included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, senior cabinet members, and top government officials. Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised the importance of the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, reaffirming Pakistan's full solidarity with the Iranian leadership, armed forces, and the people. Speaking at a joint news conference with President Pezeshkian, the prime minister expressed condolences over the martyrdom of Iranian soldiers, scientists, and civilians during the 12-day war triggered by Israeli aggression, and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured. He also thanked Iran for its unwavering support to Pakistan during the recent flare-up of tensions with India. Morever, the prime minister backed Iran's right to pursue nuclear programme for peaceful purposes. President Pezeshkian, in turn, thanked the Pakistani government and people for standing firmly with Iran during the war. He said the Iranian nation would always remember Pakistan's show of solidarity. Highlighting the need for strengthening economic cooperation, Prime Minister Shehbaz called for the early convening of the 22nd session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission, expected to be held soon. He stressed enhanced collaboration in trade, connectivity, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements across sectors of mutual interest aimed at reinforcing bilateral cooperation. They discussed key initiatives to boost trade, including enhancing quotas for rice, fruits, and meat exports, activating border markets, removing non-tariff barriers, and promoting barter trade. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the recent progress in Pakistan-Iran trade negotiations and reaffirmed their commitment to increase bilateral trade volume from the current $3 billion to $10 billion in the near future. Regional and global issues were also on the agenda. Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked the Iranian leadership for its strong and vocal support for the Palestinian cause in the face of Israeli brutality. He reiterated Pakistan's unwavering backing for an independent Palestinian state in accordance with UN resolutions and called for an immediate end to Israeli atrocities in Gaza along with urgent humanitarian assistance for the besieged population. Both leaders urged the international community to take swift action to resolve the crisis. Prime Minister Sharif also expressed gratitude for Iran's consistent support for the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The meeting concluded with a luncheon hosted in honour of President Pezeshkian and his delegation.