Shahrez Khan, the 39-year-old nephew of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and son of Aleema Khan, was released from Kot Lakhpat Jail after an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore granted him bail on September 3, 2025. He was freed after depositing a surety bond of Rs 100,000. His bail came after a 14-day judicial remand following his arrest in late August on charges related to the May 9, 2023 riots and the Jinnah House attack.

Context of Arrest
Shahrez was arrested at his mother’s Lahore residence on August 21, 2025. The next day, his brother Shershah Khan was also taken into custody under similar allegations. Shahrez was initially placed under eight-day physical remand before the court ordered his judicial remand, citing the need for further investigation.

Allegations & Evidence
Authorities allege that Shahrez was involved in planning or encouraging protests linked to the violent riots that erupted when Imran Khan was arrested on May 9, 2023. These protests led to attacks on military installations and the Jinnah House. Despite this, courts noted that no formal allegations specify his role, and the investigating officer admitted that some defence evidence—such as travel records and social media verification—could not be fully evaluated during remand.

Defence and Political Backlash
Shahrez’s counsel, Advocate Rana Mudassar Umer, maintained that his client was not named in any previous case record and argued that his arrest came long after the alleged incident—27 months later—suggesting politically motivated intimidation. The defence also produced affidavits and trip metadata to support their claim that Shahrez was in Chitral at the time of the riots, not Lahore.

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The PTI and civil rights groups condemned the arrest, calling it a calculated act of political victimisation. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan described the timing of the arrests—more than two years after the riots—as perplexing and troubling.

Broader Context: May 9 Riots and Imran Khan’s Legal Battles
The May 9, 2023 riots erupted after former PM Imran Khan was arrested on corruption charges tied to the Al-Qadir Trust case. Protesters vandalized military and state buildings, including Jinnah House and the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence. The state responded with a sweeping crackdown on PTI leaders and supporters.

Imran Khan himself remains embroiled in multiple legal challenges, including graft cases such as the Toshakhana (state gifts) references and the Al-Qadir Trust case, resulting in prolonged incarceration despite claims of political motivation