Former PM Imran Khan’s Nephew Shershah Khan Sent on 14-Day Judicial Remand in May 9 Riots Case

Summary: An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has ordered a 14-day judicial remand for Shershah Khan, nephew of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, in connection with the May 9, 2023 riots. His arrest follows that of his brother Shahrez Khan, as the government intensifies its crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and supporters accused of orchestrating violent protests.

Islamabad, Aug 2025 : An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Thursday ordered the 14-day judicial remand of Shershah Khan, nephew of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He has been accused of participating in the violent protests that erupted across the country on May 9, 2023, following Imran Khan’s arrest in a corruption case.

According to local media reports, Shershah Khan was arrested on August 22, just a day after his brother, Shahrez Khan, was also taken into custody in connection with the Jinnah House attack — one of the most high-profile incidents during the unrest. Both are sons of Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan.

Police Seek Extended Custody

On Thursday, Shershah Khan was produced before the ATC after completing a five-day physical remand. During the hearing, police requested a 30-day physical remand, citing the need for further interrogation. They argued that video evidence placed Shershah alongside Hassan Niazi, another nephew of Imran Khan, during the May 9 protests in Lahore.

However, Shershah’s counsel, senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja, rejected the police’s plea. He argued that mere appearance in a video did not constitute proof of criminal involvement. “Being present in a video cannot by itself establish participation in violence or conspiracy,” Raja stated.

After considering arguments from both sides, the ATC judge refused to grant the extended physical custody sought by police. Instead, the court approved a 14-day judicial remand and sent Shershah Khan to jail.

Charges and Background

Both Shershah and Shahrez face allegations of leading an “anti-state campaign” and taking part in the violent unrest on May 9. Authorities allege that the brothers were actively involved in the mob that attacked Jinnah House, the Lahore residence of a senior military commander.

Sources told Geo News that Shershah initially went into hiding after the violence and later travelled to London, where he remained for nearly two years before returning to Pakistan. His arrest, therefore, is seen by many observers as part of the government’s effort to clamp down on PTI figures linked to last year’s turmoil.

Family’s Strong Reaction

The arrests of Imran Khan’s nephews have provoked an angry response from his family. On August 22, Imran Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, denounced the arrests on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), calling them “blatant state repression.”

“My cousins Shahrez and Shershah have been abducted, while Hassan Niazi has been convicted in a military court. This is blatant state repression, punishing family members because the Supreme Court tried granting Imran Khan bail,” Kasim wrote. He added that such tactics “will not break us — they only expose the injustice further.”

Aleema Khan, mother of the two arrested brothers, also issued a strong statement. She alleged that plainclothes armed men forcibly entered her Lahore residence, assaulted staff, harassed her daughter-in-law, and dragged away her son Shahrez in front of his young daughters.

“For over three years, this fascist regime has unleashed a reign of terror, raiding homes, abducting and harassing countless civilians. Yet despite their brutality, they have failed to break Imran Khan,” she wrote on X. Aleema added that her family draws strength from Imran Khan’s resilience, calling his struggle “far greater than any one of us.”

May 9 Riots Context

The May 9, 2023 protests marked one of the most violent chapters in Pakistan’s recent political history. Following Imran Khan’s arrest by the National Accountability Bureau in a corruption case, PTI supporters took to the streets in large numbers.

Protesters clashed with security forces, vandalised military installations, torched state-owned buildings, and attacked Jinnah House. The government responded with a sweeping crackdown, arresting thousands of PTI workers, leaders, and sympathisers.

While Imran Khan remains entangled in multiple legal battles, the arrest of his close relatives highlights the government’s determination to keep pressure on the PTI. Critics, however, say the targeting of family members reflects political victimisation rather than justice.

As Shershah Khan begins his 14-day judicial remand, the case underscores both the lingering scars of the May 9 unrest and the continuing confrontation between Imran Khan’s supporters and Pakistan’s ruling establishment.