Lahore ATC grants bail to Imran Khan’s nephew Shershah in the May 9, 2023, Jinnah House attack case, following his brother Shahrez’s release.
Imran Khan Nephew Bail: Court Decision
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore granted bail to Shershah Khan, nephew of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, in a case linked to the Jinnah House attack during the May 9, 2023, riots. Shershah, arrested on August 22, 2025, was released against a PKR 100,000 surety bond, as no substantial evidence was presented.
The Imran Khan nephew bail case reflects ongoing political tensions in Pakistan, highlighting concerns about judicial fairness and alleged targeting of PTI affiliates in South Asia’s volatile political landscape.
Details of the Bail Hearing
The Lahore ATC, presided over by Judge Manzer Ali Gill, approved Shershah Khan’s post-arrest bail plea on September 4, 2025. Shershah, son of Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, was detained on August 22, 2025, outside his Lahore home and initially placed on a five-day physical remand, followed by a 14-day judicial remand on August 28, 2025. His counsel, Advocate Rana Mudassar Umer, argued that the prosecution failed to produce the case record for the Jinnah House attack, asserting, “No evidence has been produced against the suspect.” Umer highlighted the 28-month delay in Shershah’s arrest, alleging political victimisation due to his family ties to PTI.
The court was informed that the prosecution’s claim of recovering a cane from Shershah was “planted,” and Umer noted that individuals with graver charges in similar cases had been granted bail. He referenced a prior case where PTI leader Dr Yasmin Rashid was discharged on similar grounds. Judge Gill ordered Shershah’s release, provided he is not required in other cases. According to Barrister Taimur Malik, the bail approval was confirmed, marking a significant development in the case.
Context of the May 9 Riots
The May 9, 2023, riots erupted across Pakistan following Imran Khan’s arrest in a corruption case, with PTI supporters allegedly attacking military and state installations, including Jinnah House, the Lahore corps commander’s residence. The state responded with a crackdown, arresting thousands of PTI supporters and leaders, many of whom faced convictions and disqualifications from parliamentary roles. Shershah and his brother Shahrez, arrested a day earlier on August 21, 2025, faced charges of involvement in the Jinnah House attack and allegedly running an anti-state campaign. Sources claimed Shershah was present with another PTI-affiliated nephew, Hassan Niazi, during the attack, though no concrete evidence has been publicly disclosed.
Allegations of Political Persecution
The defence argued that the arrests of Shershah and Shahrez were politically motivated, a sentiment echoed by human rights groups. Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan labelled the arrests a “political witch-hunt,” raising concerns about judicial overreach targeting PTI members. A cousin of Shershah, the arrests were “nothing but political victimisation.” Conversely, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry defended the arrests, stating they were based on evidence and not “fake, fabricated, or politically motivated.” The lack of evidence presented in court has fuelled debates about the fairness of legal proceedings against PTI affiliates.
Background of Imran Khan Nephew Case
The May 9, 2023, riots were a turning point in Pakistan’s political landscape, intensifying the crackdown on PTI following Imran Khan’s arrest. Jinnah House became a focal point of the protests, symbolising public discontent with the military and government. The arrests of Shershah and Shahrez, nearly 28 months later, have reignited discussions about the state’s handling of PTI-related cases. A 2024 report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan noted that thousands of PTI supporters were detained post-riots, with many facing trials in anti-terrorism and military courts, though no official figure was confirmed. The bail of both Shershah and Shahrez, granted on September 3 and 4, 2025, respectively, marks a rare legal reprieve for PTI affiliates.
What’s Next in the Imran Khan Nephew Bail Case
The Imran Khan nephew bail case may influence ongoing legal battles involving PTI members, with attention now on whether other detained supporters will secure similar relief. The prosecution is expected to submit a chargesheet by September 11, 2025, which could clarify the evidence against Shershah. Public and international scrutiny of Pakistan’s judicial processes will likely persist, particularly regarding allegations of political targeting in the Imran Khan nephew bail saga.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 4th, 2025
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