An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has sent Shershah Khan to jail. He is the nephew of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The court ordered judicial remand in the Jinnah House attack case. The ruling came on Thursday after a brief hearing.
Shershah Khan is the son of Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan. Lahore police arrested him outside his home on August 22. The court rejected a plea for his discharge from the case.
Shershah Khan was presented before Judge Manzer Ali Gill. His five-day physical remand had just ended. The prosecution sought a 30-day extension for further investigation.
Defense lawyers argued for his immediate release. They called the arrest politically motivated. According to Dawn, the judge noted a baton was recovered from the suspect. The judge saw no need for further physical remand.
The case stems from nationwide riots on May 9, 2023. Supporters of Imran Khan's PTI party vandalized military sites. The Jinnah House, a corps commander's residence, was attacked.
The state launched a major crackdown against the PTI. Thousands of supporters and leaders were detained. Many have since been convicted and disqualified from office.
The recent arrests have drawn international concern. Groups like Amnesty International call it a political witch-hunt. The government defends the actions as necessary for justice.
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