Pakistan court approves police remand of Imran Khan’s nephew in ​2023 riots case​

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Saturday handed Shershah, nephew of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, over to police on physical remand in connection with violent protests that erupted on May 9, 2023, following Khan’s arrest.

The Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) approved a five-day physical remand of Shershah, son of Khan’s sister Aleema Khan. Police had requested a 30-day remand, claiming Shah was present at multiple protest sites and incited arson during the unrest, but the court granted a shorter period.

Shershah was brought to court amid tight security. Investigators claim that he acted alongside PTI leader Hassan Niazi during attacks on state and military properties, including Lahore’s historic Jinnah House.

This development follows Friday’s decision by the same court to grant an eight-day physical remand of Shahrez Khan, Shershah’s brother, who was arrested under similar charges.

PTI leaders had earlier claimed Shahrez was picked up by unidentified men before being formally presented in court.

Aleema Khan condemned the arrests of both her sons, calling the detentions politically motivated. “My sons’ only crime is that they are related to Imran Khan,” she said.

May 9 cases

The brothers are among dozens of PTI supporters and relatives facing prosecution over the May 9 riots, which saw attacks on military installations and government buildings nationwide. Human rights groups have voiced concern over the trials, including those held in military courts, calling them a blow to due process.

Imran Khan, ousted through a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in 2022, remains imprisoned on multiple charges, including corruption, and is barred from participating in the country’s politics.

The PTI maintains that the crackdown aims to dismantle the party and silence dissent.