As Pakistan’s political theatre continues to evolve under the shadow of deep institutional rivalries and popular unrest, the possible entry of Imran Khan’s sons—Suleman and Kasim—into active politics is stirring a complex mix of hope, cynicism, and concern. With their father jailed and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party facing unprecedented suppression, the appearance of the next generation of Khans may either symbolize continuity or deepen the country’s political polarisation.
With their father jailed and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party facing unprecedented suppression, the appearance of the next generation of Khans may either symbolize continuity or deepen the country’s political polarisation.
Suleman and Kasim, both raised primarily in the United Kingdom, have thus far remained distant from Pakistan’s volatile political currents. However, recent developments suggest that their political silence may soon end. The mere suggestion of their participation has evoked swift reactions. Some political figures argue that they have every right to engage in political activity, provided it stays within legal bounds. Others warn that any such move could provoke immediate legal retaliation, given the increasing tendency of the state to criminalize political dissent.
At the heart of this moment lies the legacy of Imran Khan himself. A populist force who once redefined Pakistan’s political culture, his downfall has not dampened the fervour of his supporters. Instead, it has created a vacuum—one that his sons could be poised to fill. Their entry would undoubtedly resonate with PTI’s grassroots base, particularly among the youth and diaspora communities who continue to see Imran Khan as a symbol of resistance and reform.
Their entry would undoubtedly resonate with PTI’s grassroots base…
Yet their foreign upbringing presents a double-edged sword. While it may bring a fresh, globalised perspective to domestic politics, it also risks being framed as elitist or detached from ground realities. In a political environment already poisoned by accusations of dynastic privilege, questions about their legitimacy could dog their every move. Their dual identities, both cultural and legal, may serve as ammunition for opponents eager to paint them as outsiders attempting to hijack the country’s democratic process.
Moreover, their potential entry could escalate tensions between civilian movements and the military establishment. Pakistan’s history is rife with such confrontations, and a high-profile return by Khan’s progeny could be interpreted as a direct challenge to institutional authority. In such a context, their political journey may be fraught with calculated resistance, if not outright sabotage.
The strategic calculus for PTI is also worth examining. Introducing Suleman or Kasim as new political actors could re-energise the base and maintain the movement’s momentum during Imran Khan’s incarceration. However, it also risks overshadowing or sidelining other seasoned PTI figures who have stood their ground through turbulent times. The party must tread carefully to avoid internal fragmentation, especially when unity is most needed.
For the broader political landscape, the emergence of Imran Khan’s sons might signal a generational shift, or it might reinforce old cycles of political inheritance that Pakistan has long struggled to break. Whether they become agents of democratic renewal or lightning rods for further instability will depend on their actions, their message, and their willingness to engage authentically with the Pakistani public.
For the broader political landscape, the emergence of Imran Khan’s sons might signal a generational shift
In the end, this is more than just a story about two young men entering politics. It is a reflection of a nation wrestling with its identity, torn between the pull of dynastic familiarity and the demand for genuine transformation. If Suleman and Kasim Khan choose to enter the fray, they will not only inherit their father’s political mantle—they will also inherit the burden of navigating Pakistan’s most turbulent era in decades. Whether they rise to the occasion or become symbols of a miscalculated gamble remains to be seen.
