Imran Khan’s nephew produced before ATC in May 9 cases

LAHORE: Shahrez Khan, nephew of PTI founder Imran Khan, was brought to the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday in connection with the May 9 cases.

Shahrez Khan, son of Aleema Khan, sister of Imran Khan, was arrested on Thursday night from his residence in Lahore in connection with the May 9 cases.

Police informed the court that Shahrez Azim, nephew of the PTI founder, was arrested in the May 9 Jinnah House attack case after being named in a supplementary statement.

Seeking a remand of 30 days, they said his phone and other items were yet to be recovered.

PTI’s counsel Salman Akram Raja argued that 27 months had passed before police linked Shahrez to the incident.

“The supplementary statement has been read in court over 1,500 times, yet his name was never mentioned,” he said, terming the arrest politically motivated.

Raja terming the prosecution’s demand for a 30 day remand “excessive”, said Shahrez is an international-level sportsman who had travelled abroad several times and returned each time without ever being summoned in any case.

Imran Khan’s nephew Shahrez held in May 9 cases

“He was in Chitral between May 6 and 13, far from where the incident occurred,” Raja said, demanding Shahrez’s immediate release and discharge.

Raja told the court that Shahrez’s mother had previously been discharged in the same case.

The court remarked it would review the supplementary case file before deciding on the matter.

The DSP reprimanded his subordinates inside the courtroom for failing to bring all case documents.

The court has reserved the decision on the remand.

Earlier, advocate Salman Akram Raja told the court that Shahrez had been kept in a prison van for over an hour.

He requested the court to have him seated in Bakhshi Khana instead. The court directed the security in charge to comply.

PTI founder’s sister Uzma Khan and Salman Akram Raja were present at the ATC.

MAY 9 ATTACKERS DESERVE NO LENIENCY

Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari told reporters that those involved in the May 9 attacks deserved no leniency.

 “It was a failed rebellion, with all evidence now public. Those responsible cannot hide behind politics,” she said.

She added that the attacks embarrassed Pakistan internationally, and the nation now demands full accountability of the masterminds and facilitators.

 “Even Pharaoh and Satan were popular, but that did not make them angels,” she remarked.

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