Hanif Abbasi Cautions Imran Khan’s Sons Against Violating Pakistan Laws

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Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has warned Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Qasim, against breaking Pakistani laws during a potential visit to join protests for their father’s release, labeling them as “foreigners.” The statement, made in London on July 16, 2025, escalates tensions with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This article examines Abbasi’s warning and its implications for Pakistan’s political climate.

During an interview with Geo News, Abbasi acknowledged the legal right of Khan’s sons, British citizens, to visit their father, imprisoned since August 2023, but stressed they must adhere to laws barring foreigners from political activities. “They are welcome, but they will not be allowed to create anarchy,” he said, warning of “action beyond simple arrest” for violations. The remarks follow PTI’s planned August 5 protest, with Khan’s sister Aleema announcing Sulaiman and Qasim’s intent to join after lobbying in the United States (US), per The Express Tribune. Jemima Goldsmith, their mother, condemned the threats as a “personal vendetta,” noting Khan’s solitary confinement and lack of family contact.

Abbasi’s comments reflect the PML-N-led government’s firm stance against PTI’s protests, which demand Khan’s release amid claims of 2024 election rigging. Critics argue Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration uses legal threats to suppress dissent, with posts on X like @MurtazaViews echoing Abbasi’s warning that “serious state action” awaits lawbreakers. Centre-right voices question the government’s priorities, suggesting it distracts from economic woes, like a weakening rupee, to target PTI.

The controversy highlights Pakistan’s polarized politics. Khan, facing over 150 charges PTI deems politically motivated, remains a rallying figure. His sons’ potential involvement risks escalating tensions, especially as Abbasi’s own past, including a 2018 narcotics conviction later suspended, fuels PTI’s claims of selective justice. With Pakistan navigating regional challenges, including tensions with India, the government must balance stability and democratic freedoms to avoid further unrest.