- On August 21, 2025, Punjab Police took into custody Shahrez Khan, the son of Aleema Khan and nephew of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in Lahore. The arrest has sparked strong reactions, with officials defending the move as law enforcement while PTI leaders denounced it as political victimization.
Shahrez, son of Alima Khan and nephew of PTI founder, was presented before the Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore after being arrested in connection with the May 9 violence cases. #ShahreyAzim #AlimaKhan #PTI #May9Cases #ATC #PakistanPolitics #BreakingNew pic.twitter.com/I7j9x8bX3X
— Capital TV (@CapitalTVLive) August 22, 2025
Police Statement
- Arrest Confirmed: On August 22, Lahore Police confirmed the arrest.
- Reason: Officials stated Shahrez was wanted in cases linked to the May 9, 2023 riots, when violent mobs attacked military installations and state property after Imran Khan’s detention.
- Policy on Accountability: Police emphasized that no leniency would be given to individuals accused of anti-state activities, regardless of status or connections.
- Next Step: Shahrez will be presented before court for physical remand proceedings.
PTI’s Response
- “Abduction” Claim: PTI leaders and Aleema Khan alleged that Shahrez was taken by plainclothes men from their Lahore residence, claiming the household staff were beaten and Shahrez “tortured” in front of his children.
- Political Angle: PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, called the arrest a “brutal act of fascism” and insisted Shahrez has no role in politics, portraying him as a professional athlete and businessman.
- Earlier Incident: The party further pointed out that Shahrez had been offloaded from a flight at Lahore Airport a day earlier, preventing his travel abroad.
Broader Context
- The arrest came the same day the Supreme Court granted bail to Imran Khan in eight May 9 cases, fueling political debate.
- Authorities maintain that the rule of law must prevail, while PTI accuses the state of intimidation tactics.
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