Countering the reports in a post on ‘X’, PTI Central Information Secretary Waqas Akram said the news circulating in the media was “completely false”.
“Imran Khan sahib has absolutely not stopped his children from coming to Pakistan. I would request those media friends who report from Adiala to only broadcast exactly what Khan sahib says. It is inappropriate to take things out of context, selectively, or to present conversations according to their own wishes.”
He followed up with another post, asserting that there should be no doubt regarding the arrival of the ex-premier’s sons, for which, he added, the date has yet to be determined.
“And everyone should remember that when they decided to come, they clearly told their father that we are not seeking your permission but informing you. So, avoid these propagandas because they are of no use.”
The denial came amid media reports suggesting that the incarcerated former prime minister had told journalists that his sons — Sulaiman Khan, 28, and Kasim Khan, 26 — would neither visit Pakistan nor participate in any demonstrations.
The two sons had broken their public silence over their father’s imprisonment in May this year. Earlier this month, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan had also said that the two would be travelling to the United States before arriving in Pakistan as part of a wider effort seeking their father’s release.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed the situation as “one drama among many dramas,” alleging that “the purpose was not the meeting of father and child but political gain. No move by the founder happens without political or financial gain”.
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry had earlier remarked that the sons could come to Pakistan and would face no restrictions in doing so.