Ajaz Khan on Imran Khan's FRRO notice: 'I consider him American'
Synopsis
Actor Ajaz Khan has dismissed Imran Khan's protest participation by saying he considers him American, not Indian — adding a celebrity dimension to a fast-moving legal case where the FRRO has ordered Imran out of India by 28 October, a BJP leader is pushing for a Look Out Circular, and Imran is reportedly preparing to challenge the notice in the Bombay High Court.
Key Takeaways
Actor Ajaz Khan said he considers Imran Khan to be an American citizen and not an Indian, citing Imran's reported US citizenship.
The FRRO has directed Imran Khan to leave India by 28 October , alleging he violated the Foreigners Act by joining the August Kranti Maidan protests.
Imran holds OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) status — not full Indian citizenship — which the FRRO says bars him from participating in such protests.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on 13 October urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Imran.
Imran reportedly plans to challenge the FRRO notice through a Writ Petition in the Bombay High Court .
Actor Ajaz Khan has weighed in on the controversy surrounding actor Imran Khan, who has been directed by authorities to leave India by 28 October after allegedly participating in a protest at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai. Responding to the developments, Ajaz said he considers Imran to be an American citizen rather than an Indian, given the latter's reported US citizenship.
What Ajaz Khan Said
Ajaz Khan stated plainly, 'Imran Khan has taken American citizenship. I will consider him American.' He argued that the citizenship status changes the lens through which Imran's participation in a domestic protest should be viewed. According to Ajaz, had Imran held an Indian passport and joined the protest, there would have been no issue. 'If he had an Indian passport and went to protest, there would have been no problem. Now I have also come to know that he has American citizenship, which is wrong. I hate America, and I hate Elon Musk,' he said.
The FRRO Notice Against Imran Khan
The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued a notice directing Imran Khan to leave India by 28 October, citing his alleged violation of the Foreigners Act. The FRRO's order stated that Imran, who holds Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status rather than full Indian citizenship, allegedly broke the law by taking part in the August Kranti Maidan protests. Those protests had demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
BJP Leader Kirit Somaiya Seeks Look Out Circular
On 13 October, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Member of Parliament Kirit Somaiya approached the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities, urging them to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against the Delhi Belly actor. This move escalated pressure on Imran as he navigates the legal challenge.
Imran Khan's Reported Legal Response
Imran Khan reportedly plans to file a Writ Petition in the Bombay High Court challenging the FRRO notice. If the petition is admitted, it could stay the departure deadline pending judicial review — a development that would add a significant legal dimension to an already politically charged controversy.
Ajaz Khan on the Starlink Controversy
Separately, Ajaz Khan also addressed the ongoing Starlink controversy in India. He expressed support for the government's handling of the matter, framing it as a national security issue. 'It is a matter of India's security, and India's security should be the first priority for the Prime Minister,' he said, backing the Centre's position on the subject.
Point of View
But the legal core of this story is substantive: India's OCI framework has long been ambiguous about the political rights of its holders, and the FRRO notice against Imran Khan tests that ambiguity head-on. If the Bombay High Court admits Imran's petition, it could force a judicial clarification on whether OCI cardholders can participate in protests — a question with implications far beyond one actor. The BJP's push for a Look Out Circular, meanwhile, suggests a deliberate escalation that goes beyond enforcing the Foreigners Act.
NationPress
16 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Imran Khan been asked to leave India?
The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) has directed Imran Khan to leave India by 28 October, alleging he violated the Foreigners Act by participating in the August Kranti Maidan protests in Mumbai. The FRRO's order notes that Imran holds OCI status, not full Indian citizenship, and was therefore not entitled to take part in the protest.
What is Ajaz Khan's reaction to the Imran Khan controversy?
Actor Ajaz Khan said he considers Imran Khan to be an American rather than an Indian, citing Imran's reported US citizenship. He argued that had Imran held an Indian passport, his protest participation would have been unproblematic.
What action has BJP leader Kirit Somaiya taken against Imran Khan?
On 13 October, Kirit Somaiya approached the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities, urging them to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Imran Khan. A LOC would prevent Imran from leaving India without clearance.
What is Imran Khan's legal recourse against the FRRO notice?
Imran Khan reportedly plans to file a Writ Petition in the Bombay High Court challenging the FRRO's departure notice. If the court admits the petition, it could stay the 28 October deadline pending judicial review.
What is OCI status, and how does it differ from Indian citizenship?
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a form of permanent residency granted to people of Indian origin who hold foreign citizenship. OCI holders enjoy most rights of Indian residents but are not full citizens — they cannot vote or hold certain public offices, and, as the FRRO contends in this case, may be restricted from political protests under the Foreigners Act.
