The political crisis surrounding the May 9 riots deepened further as another son of Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, was arrested in Lahore. The arrest came only a day after her elder son, Shahrez Khan, was taken into custody in connection with the same violent protests.
According to officials, Shershah Khan was apprehended from his residence in Lahore. His detention mirrors that of his brother, who was arrested earlier in relation to the attacks on state and military installations during the May 9 protests.
Circumstances Behind the Arrest
Legal representatives of the family claim that Shershah was taken into custody shortly after appearing before an anti-terrorism court regarding his brother’s case. PTI leaders have strongly condemned the move, describing the arrest as an “abduction” and accusing authorities of violating due process.
The political party has maintained that these actions represent a breakdown of the rule of law, asserting that opposition members are being unfairly targeted.
Background of the May 9 Riots
The May 9, 2023 events remain one of Pakistan’s most controversial episodes in recent political history. Following the arrest of Imran Khan, widespread demonstrations turned violent, with protestors vandalizing government property, military installations, and even the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence.
In the aftermath, thousands of PTI supporters and several party leaders were detained. Authorities have linked both of Aleema Khan’s sons to these violent demonstrations, citing their alleged involvement in the planning and execution of the attacks.
Shahrez Khan Sent on Physical Remand
Meanwhile, Shahrez Khan was presented before an anti-terrorism court, which ordered his eight-day physical remand. Investigators argued that he was implicated in the Jinnah House attack on May 9, claiming his name was included in supplementary statements filed in late 2023.
His legal counsel, however, rejected these allegations, stating that Shahrez had never previously been named in the case. He further argued that the timing of the arrest was politically motivated, especially following the Supreme Court’s approval of bail petitions for Imran Khan in several cases.
The defense also questioned why Shahrez was not arrested earlier despite remaining in the country for more than two years. According to the legal team, this selective targeting is intended as political pressure against the PTI founder and his family.
Allegations of Political Victimization
Shahrez’s lawyer insisted that his client was in Chitral during the May 9 unrest, rendering the accusations baseless. He accused the authorities of fabricating charges to suppress dissent, adding that the family would pursue every legal avenue to challenge the arrests.
Party leaders echoed similar sentiments, portraying the detentions as a deliberate conspiracy against Imran Khan and his relatives. They claim that the cases are being manipulated to silence opposition voices and weaken PTI’s political standing.
Broader Political Implications
The arrests of Aleema Khan’s sons add another layer of tension to Pakistan’s already polarized political landscape. With Imran Khan still incarcerated on corruption and graft charges, his family members are increasingly drawn into legal battles that fuel further controversy.
Observers suggest that these developments could escalate political unrest, as PTI supporters continue to frame the arrests as evidence of political victimization. Meanwhile, government authorities insist that accountability for the May 9 riots is essential for restoring order and justice.
The detention of Aleema Khan’s sons underscores the widening rift between the state and PTI leadership. As investigations into the May 9 riots continue, the arrests highlight the volatile mix of politics, law, and public sentiment that continues to shape Pakistan’s political future.
