Kasim Khan, the son of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has said that US President Donald Trump is the only world leader who can make a difference in his father’s case and help secure his release.
Kasim Khan and his brother Suleman Khan gave an exclusive interview to British journalist Piers Morgan.
During the interview, Kasim Khan stated that he had also met Trump’s close aide Richard Grenell, who has been active on social media for Imran Khan’s release, to discuss cases against his father.
It may be recalled that 26-year-old Kasim and 28-year-old Sulaiman publicly spoke out for the first time against their father’s imprisonment in May this year.
In July, Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan, announced that both sons would travel to the United States to take part in the ongoing diplomatic and public campaign for their father’s release.
The brothers later reached Washington, where they held talks with American lawmakers and human rights organisations.
Responding to questions, Kasim Khan said, “We know that our father and President Trump had a cordial relationship in the past. When both were in power, they had great conversations and both respected each other.”
He further said that if Trump issues a statement or contacts the Pakistani establishment at some level, it could play a significant role in Imran Khan’s release.
Imran Khan has been imprisoned in Adiala Jail since August 2023. He has been convicted in a £190 million corruption case. In addition, he is also facing cases under the anti-terrorism act following violent protests on May 9, 2023.
The PTI maintains that all these actions are politically motivated and part of a political vendetta.
Kasim Khan said it has been three years since he last met his father, adding he has not spoken to him for the past four months.
Kasim described the situation as “extremely painful,” saying that he used to be in regular contact with his father, but now he and his brother are facing constant silence.
Both brothers said they do not usually speak to the media but are now frustrated overr their father’s ordeal.
According to Kasim Khan, when he expressed his desire to visit Pakistan, he was warned by the government, family members and other sources that he could be arrested.
“Despite this, we are trying for a visa, an application has been moved, but there has been no response yet. Let’s see what happens.”
Aleema Khan has also confirmed recently that both sons have applied for Pakistani visas through the Pakistani High Commission in London.
Kasim Khan said that he and Suleman are determined to visit Pakistan despite the arrest risk.
“We know there is a risk, but we will definitely go, whether anyone likes it or not,” he said.
Meanwhile, Suleman, in response to a question, said that even if he is not allowed to go to Pakistan, he would continue to campaign for his father’s release from abroad.
He admitted that the British government has not been contacted on the matter so far.
In a message to the state institutions, Kasim Khan urged them to respect democracy and the will of the people in Pakistan.
He stated: “The Pakistani people gave a clear verdict in the February elections last year despite all the rigging. The rule of law demands that Imran Khan be given a fair trial.”
Meanwhile, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry raised the question that why the sons needed visas if they have the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP).
If a visa is required, it means that they do not have Pakistani citizenship, so what is the real story here? he asked.
