An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has sent Shahrez Khan, nephew of PTI founder Imran Khan, to jail on a 14-day judicial remand. Shahrez was arrested on August 21 in connection with the Jinnah House attack during the May 9, 2023, riots. He was presented in court today after completing an eight-day physical remand.
The prosecution requested a 30-day extension of his physical custody, claiming more investigation was needed. However, the court rejected this and ruled that Shahrez be sent to jail instead. The judge noted that verifying Shahrez’s social media activity and travel history did not require his continued physical custody.
Shahrez’s lawyers presented evidence suggesting he was in Chitral with family on May 9, including affidavits and photographs. They argued that his arrest was politically motivated due to his relation to Imran Khan. A bail request has also been filed, calling the arrest illegal and claiming no solid evidence was found.
The court ordered police to submit the charge sheet by September 13 and re-present Shahrez on that date. The defence submitted hotel records and witness statements to support his alibi. His wife also shared photos from the Chitral trip, while PTI contested video evidence linked to him.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns over the arrest, calling it part of a political witch-hunt. The state, however, defends the move, citing national security concerns and legal grounds for the crackdown on May 9 suspects.