Jemima Goldsmith, former wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has alleged that their sons are being denied any form of contact with their father and are being threatened with arrest if they attempt to visit him in Pakistan.

Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Jemima claimed that her sons have not been allowed to speak with their father, who has been in solitary confinement for nearly two years.

She accused the Pakistani authorities of engaging in “personal vengeance” under the guise of political rivalry.

“Even phone contact is not permitted. My sons are being intimidated and warned that they could be imprisoned if they try to meet their father,” Jemima wrote, calling the situation a violation of basic human rights.

Her statement was echoed by Imran Khan’s son Qasim Khan, who also posted on X, lamenting that their father had been denied access not only to his children but also to his personal physician.

Ministers deny allegations

In a notable response, Punjab’s Housing Minister Bilal Yasin welcomed Imran Khan’s sons — and daughter — to Pakistan, saying: “Suleiman and Qasim are now learning Urdu and preparing to return to Pakistan. We welcome both of them, along with their sister Tyrian.”

He went on to suggest that PTI’s leadership was preparing to “launch a new episode” to manipulate public sentiment.

“The public has now seen through the deception and misleading narratives of those who previously misled the nation,” Yasin added.

Meanwhile, PML-N senior leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui said during a television appearance that Imran Khan’s sons were constitutionally free to participate in political activities if they wished — but warned that their involvement would have no impact on the former premier’s release.

“Imran Khan’s freedom depends solely on his own conduct and choices, not on his family’s presence,” Siddiqui stated, adding sarcastically: “If his sons do come, they may find Pakistan’s heat unbearable, but it won’t open any prison doors.”

Legal implications

Prime minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah previously warned that any individual coming from abroad to incite unrest or disrupt public order would face legal action.

Additionally, PML-N legal adviser Barrister Aqeel Malik clarified that if any foreign national or dual citizen seeks a visa to engage in political activities in Pakistan, their application will be denied.

“No one holding a foreign passport will be allowed to enter the country for political purposes,” Malik asserted.