A senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senator has stated there is no objection to former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sons participating in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests, provided they adhere to legal boundaries. The remarks come as PTI prepares for an anti-government movement, with Khan’s UK-based sons planning to join the campaign.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui, speaking on a morning television program, addressed PTI’s announcement that Qasim and Suleiman, the sons of the party’s founder Imran Khan, intend to join an upcoming protest movement in Pakistan. “No one would object to their return if they abide by legal boundaries,” Siddiqui said, emphasizing that their participation would not lead to significant political disruption. “He [Imran Khan] wants to bring his children into politics, but their presence will not cause any political upheaval,” he added.
The senator’s comments follow a statement by Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, who revealed that Qasim and Suleiman plan to travel to the United States to raise awareness about their father’s legal situation before arriving in Pakistan to join PTI’s political campaign. Imran Khan, imprisoned since August 2023, faces multiple charges, and his family has accused the government of restricting their access to him.
Commenting on PTI’s planned protests aimed at securing Khan’s release, Siddiqui asserted that neither Khan’s sons nor his sisters could influence the outcome of his legal cases. “They cannot secure his release. [Imran Khan’s] release depends on his actions,” he stated. Siddiqui also dismissed rumors of a potential change in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, affirming that the current administration would remain in place.
In contrast, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja defended the right of Khan’s sons to participate in the party’s movement. Speaking to reporters, Raja argued that the family’s involvement is distinct due to their personal connection to Khan. He also highlighted that both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are entitled to seek suspension of their sentences, drawing parallels to past political movements in Pakistan. Raja further noted that any attempt to alter the provincial government’s status would require a two-thirds majority, which he claimed the government lacks, even with reserved seats.
The exchange underscores the ongoing tensions between PTI and the ruling PML-N, with Khan’s family playing an increasingly visible role in the party’s efforts to challenge the government. As PTI’s protest plans gain momentum, the government’s response to the involvement of Khan’s sons will likely remain a focal point in Pakistan’s political landscape.
