Web Desk
Lahore: A Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday handed over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s nephew, Shahrez Khan, to police on an eight-day physical remand in connection with the May 9 riots case. A day later, police also arrested his brother, Shershah Khan, intensifying the crackdown on Imran’s family members.
Shahrez Khan Sent on Remand in May 9 Case
Shahrez Khan was arrested late on Wednesday night from the Lahore residence of his mother, Aleema Khan, after unidentified men allegedly stormed the house. PTI leaders claimed domestic staff were assaulted and family members harassed during the raid.
Police later produced Shahrez before ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill, seeking a 30-day physical remand in the Jinnah House attack case, but the court granted only eight days.
Shahrez’s counsel, senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja, strongly opposed the remand, terming the arrest “ridiculous” after a delay of 27 months. He argued that Shahrez had no political role, was in Chitral between May 6–13, 2023, and was being targeted solely because of his family ties.
“This reflects mala fide intent,” Raja told the court, adding that Aleema Khan had already been discharged from the same case.
The police admitted Shahrez was not wanted in any other May 9-related case but maintained that his name appeared in supplementary records filed in September 2023.
Outside the court, Raja reiterated that Shahrez had been “falsely implicated” and vowed to challenge the case at every forum.
Police Arrest Shershah Khan a Day Later
On Friday, Lahore Police confirmed the arrest of Shershah Khan, another son of Aleema Khan, from his residence. His lawyer, Advocate Rana Mudassir Umar, said Shershah was picked up after attending court proceedings related to his brother’s case.
The PTI condemned the arrest, calling it an “abduction” on social media and accusing authorities of replacing “the rule of law with the law of the jungle.”
PTI Terms Arrests as Political Vendetta
Barrister Gohar Khan, PTI Chairman, reacted strongly, saying:
“By arresting family members of Imran Khan, a hostile situation is being created. Whenever we talk about reconciliation, arrests are initiated.”
Background: May 9 Riots
The arrests stem from the May 9, 2023 riots, when violent protests erupted across Pakistan following Imran Khan’s arrest. Demonstrators vandalized military installations, including the Lahore corps commander’s residence (Jinnah House), leading to thousands of arrests of PTI workers and leaders.
