Court Orders Custody in High-Profile Case
A Lahore anti-terrorism court has approved an eight-day physical remand for Shahrez Khan, the son of Aleema Khan and nephew of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Shahrez was arrested in connection with the May 9, 2023 attack on Jinnah House, the official residence of the Lahore Corps Commander.
The court hearing took place on Thursday, where police requested a 30-day remand to conduct further investigations. However, Shahrez’s lawyer, senior advocate Salman Akram Raja, opposed the lengthy custody. After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge rejected the police’s request and granted an eight-day remand instead. The court ordered that Shahrez be produced again on August 30.
Arrest in Lahore’s Zaman Park
According to local media reports, Shahrez Khan was arrested on Wednesday from Zaman Park, an upscale Lahore neighborhood known as the political stronghold of his uncle, Imran Khan. He was brought to court under heavy security, reflecting the high-profile nature of the case.
The arrest has attracted significant attention because of Shahrez’s family ties. His mother, Aleema Khan, is one of Imran Khan’s sisters and a visible supporter of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Dispute Over Circumstances of Detention
Just a day before the court proceedings, Aleema Khan publicly alleged that her son had been abducted by four armed men. She described the incident as a kidnapping, sparking outrage among PTI supporters on social media.
However, police later confirmed Shahrez’s formal arrest, saying he was taken into custody in connection with investigations into the violent protests that erupted on May 9 last year. Authorities insisted that the arrest followed due process under anti-terrorism laws.
May 9 Protests and Political Fallout
The case against Shahrez Khan stems from one of Pakistan’s most turbulent days in recent political history. On May 9, 2023, violent protests broke out across the country after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, who was later granted bail by the Supreme Court in related cases (source).
In Lahore, demonstrators stormed and vandalized Jinnah House, setting fire to parts of the building. Military installations, government offices, and public property were also targeted in several cities. The army later described the attacks as an attempt to undermine state institutions.
Following the unrest, thousands of PTI workers and supporters were arrested. Human rights groups criticized the scale of detentions, warning against the use of anti-terrorism charges for political purposes.
Broader Crackdown on PTI
Shahrez Khan’s detention comes amid an ongoing crackdown on PTI activists and leaders. Since last year’s protests, dozens of party officials have either been arrested or forced to quit politics. Many PTI members have also faced trials in military and anti-terrorism courts.
Critics argue that the crackdown is aimed at dismantling Imran Khan’s political base. The former prime minister himself has faced a string of legal challenges, ranging from corruption cases to terrorism-related charges. He is currently imprisoned following convictions in multiple cases.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Shahrez Khan will remain in police custody until August 30, when he is due to appear before the court again. Investigators are expected to question him about his alleged role in the May 9 attacks and his links to other suspects.
Legal experts note that the reduction of police remand from 30 days to eight reflects the judiciary’s cautious approach in politically sensitive cases. Whether Shahrez is eventually indicted or released remains to be seen, but his arrest underscores how deeply the May 9 unrest continues to shape Pakistan’s political and legal landscape.
