Court Decision
An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has ordered the judicial remand of Sher Shah Khan, the nephew of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who was earlier sent on five-day police remand in the Jinnah House attack case and son of Aleema Khan.
The decision came after police sought an extension in his physical remand in connection with the high-profile Jinnah House attack case. The court rejected the police request and directed that the suspect be transferred to jail under judicial custody.
Sher Shah Khan is facing charges filed at Sarwar Road Police Station in Lahore, accusing him of involvement in the attack on Jinnah House during the violent protests that erupted across Pakistan in May 2023.
Background to the Case
The Jinnah House attack remains one of the most controversial incidents in recent political memory. The historic building, which serves as the residence of the Lahore Corps Commander, was ransacked on 9 May 2023 after Imran Khan’s dramatic arrest in Islamabad. The incident triggered widespread unrest, leading to attacks on military installations, government properties, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies.
Authorities later launched a sweeping crackdown against PTI leaders and workers, accusing them of orchestrating the violence. Thousands were arrested, while several key figures, including family members of Imran Khan, came under investigation.
Family Members Under Scrutiny
The arrest of Sher Shah Khan follows the reported detention of his brother Shahrez Azim Khan in Lahore, who was granted an eight-day physical remand by the court earlier this month. Both brothers face accusations of participating in or abetting the mob attack on military property.
Legal experts note that courts in Pakistan typically grant physical remand to allow police to conduct interrogations or gather evidence. Judicial remand, however, shifts custody from the police to prison authorities, meaning investigators can no longer directly question the accused without further court approval.
Defence Response
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, PTI lawyer and senior legal figure Salman Akram Raja said a bail application for Sher Shah Khan would be filed “today or tomorrow.” He criticized the charges, describing them as part of a broader attempt to suppress PTI and its leadership.
Raja also addressed speculation about divisions within the Khan family. “Aleema Khan has already made it clear that her relationship with Imran Khan is that of brother and sister only. Reports of disagreements are baseless,” he said.
Political and Legal Context
Imran Khan, the ousted former prime minister, has faced multiple cases since leaving office in 2022. His arrest in May 2023 under a corruption case sparked violent protests, which the government later described as an “attempt to undermine the military.”
The Jinnah House incident, in particular, has been highlighted by authorities as proof of a coordinated assault on state institutions. Human rights groups, however, have raised concerns about mass detentions and alleged political victimization of PTI members.
According to Amnesty International, more than 10,000 PTI supporters were arrested following the May 2023 unrest, with many facing charges under Pakistan’s stringent anti-terrorism laws. Critics argue that such laws are being misused to stifle dissent.
What Lies Ahead
Sher Shah Khan will now remain in judicial custody until the next hearing, while his legal team pursues bail. Analysts suggest his case, like those of many other PTI activists, will test how the judiciary balances due process with state pressure to punish those accused of violence.
For the Khan family, the continued targeting of close relatives adds another layer of strain at a time when PTI’s political survival remains uncertain. With national elections expected in the coming months, the outcome of these legal battles could have a significant impact on Pakistan’s already polarized political landscape.
