A Lahore anti-terrorism court has granted bail to Shershah Khan, nephew of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, in connection with the May 2023 riots. The decision comes amid ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Shershah, son of Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, was arrested on August 22 outside his home and had been held in custody since. His lawyer, Rana Mudassar Umer, argued that no evidence had been presented against his client and described the arrest as politically motivated, alleging vindictive action due to Shershah’s family ties.
The court accepted Shershah’s bail plea against a surety bond of Rs100,000 and ordered his release unless he is required in any other case. The ruling follows a similar decision a day earlier, when Shershah’s brother Shahrez Khan was also granted bail in a related matter.
The May 9, 2023 riots erupted following Imran Khan’s arrest, with PTI supporters accused of attacking military and government properties, including the Lahore corps commander’s residence. Since then, thousands of PTI members have been detained, and several high-profile convictions have been handed down.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns over the arrests, calling them a “political witch-hunt.” Government officials, however, have defended the actions as lawful and necessary.
