In a significant development, a Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has remanded Shershah Khan, nephew of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, to police custody for five days in connection with the Jinnah House attack during the May 9, 2023, riots. This follows the arrest of his brother, Shahrez Khan, in the same case, raising concerns about the legal proceedings surrounding the high-profile incident.
Shershah Khan’s Arrest and Court Proceedings
On Friday, 22 August 2025, Shershah Khan, son of Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, was detained by Lahore police in relation to the violent events of May 9, 2023. The following day, he was presented before the ATC under stringent security measures. The court, presided over by Judge Manzar Ali Gill, heard arguments from both the prosecution and defence during a tense hearing.
The prosecution alleged that Shershah was actively involved in the Jinnah House attack, a significant episode during the nationwide riots triggered by Imran Khan’s arrest in a corruption case. The investigating officer claimed Shershah was seen inciting arson and vandalism, supported by video evidence presented in court. The prosecution requested a 30-day physical remand to conduct photogrammetric and polygraphic tests for further investigation.
Defence lawyer Salman Akram Raja robustly contested the prosecution’s claims, arguing that Shershah’s arrest, made 27 months after the incident, lacked merit. He highlighted that courts had previously discharged suspects in similar delayed arrests and urged the ATC to release Shershah, warning that such actions could set a precedent for widespread detentions.
Despite these arguments, the court granted a five-day physical remand, allowing police to proceed with their investigation. The decision has sparked debate about the judicial process and its implications for those connected to the PTI leadership.
Background of the May 9 Riots
The May 9, 2023, riots erupted across Pakistan following the arrest of Imran Khan in a corruption case, marking a turbulent period in the country’s political landscape. Protesters, primarily PTI supporters, targeted state and military installations, with the attack on Jinnah House, the residence of the Lahore Corps Commander, becoming a focal point of the unrest.
The violence, described by authorities as a “Black Day,” saw significant property damage and led to thousands of arrests. The prosecution’s reliance on video evidence and the involvement of Imran Khan’s relatives in these cases have intensified scrutiny of the legal actions taken against PTI affiliates.
Family and Political Ramifications
The arrests of Shershah and his brother Shahrez, who was taken into custody a day earlier on 21 August 2025, have drawn strong reactions from their family and the PTI.
Aleema Khan, speaking to the media outside the court, expressed anguish, claiming her sons were being targeted solely due to their familial ties to Imran Khan. She stated, “Their only crime is being related to the PTI founder.” Aleema also suggested that she herself might face arrest, reflecting the family’s sense of being under siege. However, she maintained that those responsible for arson should face justice, indicating a nuanced stance on the legal proceedings.
The PTI has described the arrests as politically motivated, with some party members alleging that the actions are an attempt to silence Imran Khan’s family and supporters. Posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with users expressing concern over what they perceive as state repression. However, these claims remain inconclusive without further evidence, and the court’s decision reflects the ongoing legal efforts to address the May 9 violence.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Response
The five-day remand of Shershah Khan marks a critical juncture in the investigation into the Jinnah House attack. Authorities are expected to use this period to gather additional evidence, including through forensic tests. The case continues to polarise public opinion, with some viewing it as a necessary step to uphold law and order, while others see it as an overreach targeting the PTI. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and transparent investigation.
The Lahore ATC’s decision to place Shershah Khan in police custody for five days underscores the ongoing repercussions of the May 9 riots. Southasiandesk.com will closely follow developments in this case, providing updates on the investigation and its broader impact on Pakistan’s political landscape.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 23rd, 2025
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