Shahrez Khan Granted Bail in May 9 Riots Case
Lahore, Pakistan – On Wednesday, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore granted post-arrest bail to Shahrez Khan, the nephew of former prime minister Imran Khan. The bail was granted in connection with his alleged involvement in the violent riots that erupted across Pakistan on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of Imran Khan in a corruption case.
Shahrez Khan, the son of Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, had been arrested on August 21, 2023, and was facing charges related to his alleged role in the Jinnah House attack during the May 9 protests. The riots, which included attacks on military and state installations, led to widespread destruction, with the Jinnah House incident emerging as one of the most high-profile cases.
Arguments and Court Proceedings
During today’s hearing, Shahrez Khan’s defense counsel argued that the accusations against his client, which claimed that he had incited violence among Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers, were baseless. The defense contended that the prosecution failed to provide any concrete evidence to substantiate the claims.
On the other hand, the public prosecutor opposed the bail, arguing that Shahrez’s affidavit had not been verified. The court, after hearing both sides, reserved its verdict and announced the decision later in the evening, granting Shahrez bail.
Background on the Riots and the Jinnah House Attack
The May 9 riots were sparked by the arrest of PTI leader Imran Khan and involved violent clashes across the country, targeting military and state installations. The Jinnah House attack, in particular, became one of the focal points of the unrest. The attack involved the vandalism and arson of the residence of the Lahore Corps Commander, making it one of the most high-profile incidents during the chaos.
Shahrez Khan’s arrest was linked to his alleged involvement in the attack on the Jinnah House. It is important to note that both Shahrez and his cousin Shershah, another nephew of Imran Khan, were detained in connection with the May 9 violence. Shershah was arrested a day after Shahrez on August 22, 2023, and also faced charges related to the Jinnah House attack and other riot-related offenses.
Court’s Handling of Shahrez Khan’s Remand
Earlier this year, Shahrez was presented before the ATC court upon the completion of his physical remand. The prosecution sought an extension of his remand for further investigation, but Judge Manzer Ali Gill rejected the request, opting instead to send him on judicial remand.
Shahrez Khan’s case, along with that of his cousin Shershah, has garnered significant attention due to their high-profile family connections and the politically charged nature of the May 9 riots.
Legal Developments in the Case of Shershah
Shershah Khan, who is also in custody in connection with the May 9 riots, was sent on a 14-day judicial remand after his physical remand ended on August 29. Sources indicated that Shershah had been involved in the Jinnah House attack alongside Hassan Niazi and faced allegations of arson, vandalism, and inciting anti-state sentiments through a digital campaign. It was also revealed that Shershah had reportedly gone into hiding after the riots and fled to London for nearly two years before returning to face legal proceedings.
Both Shahrez and Shershah are expected to continue facing charges related to the riots, and their legal battles will likely continue to unfold in the coming weeks.
