The Lahore police arrested Shahrez Khan, the son of Aleema Khan, who is the sister of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He was arrested for his alleged involvement in multiple cases related to the riots that occurred on May 9, 2023, as confirmed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Investigation in Lahore. However, Aleema Khan claimed that her son had been abducted by masked armed men, which sparked controversy.
The DIG Investigation Lahore stated that Shahrez was a wanted suspect in several May 9-related cases, which involved violent protests by PTI supporters following Imran Khan’s arrest. The crackdown targeted those accused of orchestrating or participating in the unrest, which saw attacks on military and public installations. Shahrez’s arrest is part of ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
Last night, several plainclothes armed men stormed my residence in Lahore. They brutally assaulted our staff, harassed my daughter-in-law, and forcibly took away my son, Shahrez Khan, in front of his two young daughters.
For over three years, this fascist regime in Pakistan has…
— Aleema Khanum (@Aleema_KhanPK) August 22, 2025Aleema Khan alleged on X that four “masked armed men” in plain clothes stormed her Lahore residence, entering through the kitchen, assaulting staff, harassing her daughter-in-law, and abducting Shahrez in front of his young daughters. She accused a “fascist regime” of terrorising civilians for over three years, claiming, “They have failed to break Imran Khan.” Her statement has fueled PTI’s narrative of political persecution.
Footage of the attack at Aleema Khan’s house in which Asim Munir’s illegal regime has abducted Shahrez Khan (Aleema Khan’s son)
Shahrez is Pakistan’s top Ironman athlete , the nation’s #1 and only the second Pakistani triathlete ever to qualify for the World Championship.
This… pic.twitter.com/7Sr6shOlvb
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 21, 2025The May 9 riots followed Imran Khan’s arrest in a corruption case, leading to widespread vandalism. Over 100 PTI leaders and supporters, including Shahrez, faced convictions, with some, like Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz, disqualified from opposition roles. The Supreme Court recently granted Imran Khan bail in eight related cases, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding the event.
The arrest intensifies tensions between PTI and authorities, with Aleema’s abduction claims amplifying public discourse. As investigations continue, Shahrez’s case could influence PTI’s political strategy, particularly with the upcoming by-elections. Authorities are urged to clarify the circumstances of the arrest to address allegations of misconduct.
