Imran Khan nephew granted bail in Jinnah House attack case

LAHORE: A Lahore anti-terrorism court (ATC) has ordered bail for Shahriz Khan, Aleema Khan’s son, in the Jinnah House attack case.

Shahrez Khan, nephew of Imran Khan and son of Aleema Khan, had been arrested on May 9, 2018.

ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill had previously reserved judgment on the post-arrest bail application of Shahriz Khan. The court declared the judgment on Wednesday, approving the bail application and directing Shahriz’s release.

Appearing during the hearing, Shahriz’s lawyer Rana Mudassir Umar said that his client was charged with inciting workers, yet investigations — including geofencing of all the individuals associated with the case — had failed to establish evidence against him.

The attorney stated the charge sheet had explicitly listed unknown suspects, whereas Shahriz’s name was never mentioned anywhere, and no investigating officer had issued a statement against him.

He also contended that Shahriz was held in custody 28 months later in an effort to intimidate his mother, Aleema Khan, who has been canvassing for her brother and PTI founder Imran Khan’s release.

Rana Mudassir informed the court that Shahriz was present in Chitral from May 6 to 12, and supporting affidavits of witnesses have established his presence there.

He further asserted that Shahriz is a student at Oxford and an athlete, and was to travel abroad for a competition.

It may be remembered that some days ago, Aleema Khan had claimed that she, along with four armed men, had kidnapped her son Shahriz.

Subsequently, the police confirmed the arrest, stating that he was arrested in relation to cases lodged regarding the May 9, 2023, unrest.

Aleema Khan’s attorney also alleged on Tuesday that her other son, Sher Shah Khan, was arrested when he went to the ATC for his brother’s hearing.