Lahore ATC:Imran Khan’s Nephew Shahrez Granted Bail in May 9 Riots Case

Ahmed Raza
Imran Khan's Nephew Shahrez Granted Bail in May 9 Riots Case

Gofrixty [04 September 2025] – The Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) approved bail of Imran Khan’s nephew and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Shahrez Khan in the May 9 riots case here on Friday. It was the outcome of hours of arguments from prosecutors and the defense.

Shahrez’s lawyers informed the court that investigators had charged him without having any solid evidence. They said authorities pursued him for doing nothing other than being related to the former prime minister. Shahrez defense – that he did not sponsor or attend any violent activities – did not wash. They also noted that the police had offered no solid evidence that tied him to attacks on military and government sites.

The prosecutor opposed bail and alleged Shahrez physically participated in the violence. He was accused of instigating party workers to protest following Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023. Prosecutors said that Shahrez’s behavior added to the mob’s storming of sensitive facilities and destruction of property.

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After hearing both the parties, the court ordered for bail, it however maintained that there should be fair trial. Supporters of PTI outside the court hailed the ruling as a victory against political victimization. They claimed that the May 9 cases were employed by the government to gag PTI and undermine Imran Khan.

The countrywide riots started on May 9 following the arrest of Imran Khan on corruption charges. Protesters fought with the police, vandalized government buildings and attacked military installations. The government retaliated harshly, arresting thousands of PTI workers and leaders. Cases related to the issue continue to be heard by courts up and down the country and it is still at the heart of Pakistani political debate.

Shahrez’s bail, according to legal experts, is another twist in the overall May 9 trials. They say that repeated bail approvals have the potential to undermine the prosecution’s assertion. Some analysts say the decisions in these cases could influence the political landscape ahead of the next election, which PTI is trying to win back.

The move by the ATC underscores the judiciary’s place at the heart of Pakistan’s protracted political struggle. For Shahrez, the verdict is a temporary respite, but the fight is far from over.

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