BREAKING NEWS (ATC Grants Bail to Imran Khan’s Nephew in May 9 Riots Case—September-3-2025):
The May 9 riots case continues to make headlines as an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore granted post-arrest bail to Shahrez Khan, the nephew of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan. The decision, announced after the court had reserved its verdict earlier in the day, came as a relief to Shahrez’s family and political supporters. The court approved his release against a surety bond of Rs 100,000, marking another significant development in the series of legal proceedings tied to the May 9 riots case. (Geo News)
The May 9 riots case stems from widespread unrest and violent protests that erupted across Pakistan following Imran Khan’s arrest in 2023. Demonstrations turned violent in several cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. Public and military properties were attacked, with several high-profile installations vandalized. These events led to an unprecedented crackdown on PTI leaders, workers, and affiliates, with hundreds facing cases under anti-terrorism laws. Shahrez, despite being a professional triathlete and not previously known for political involvement, became one of the many accused in the May 9 riots case. (Dawn)
During the hearing, Shahrez’s legal team strongly argued that there was no concrete evidence linking him to the violent demonstrations. His counsel stressed that the charge sheet did not mention his name, and no prosecution witnesses had identified him as being present during the riots. Further, digital tracking methods like geofencing reportedly showed that Shahrez was not in the vicinity of any violent protest sites on the day of the unrest. His lawyers also submitted affidavits from local residents in Chitral, confirming his presence there during the time of the alleged offences. This evidence, they argued, conclusively proved that he was wrongly implicated in the May 9 riots case. (Tribune)
The defense further emphasized that many other suspects arrested under the May 9 riots case had already been granted bail, and therefore denying Shahrez the same relief would amount to selective justice. In its ruling, the ATC acknowledged the weakness of the prosecution’s case, accepted the defense arguments, and approved his release on bail.
The political implications of this bail are noteworthy. PTI leadership has repeatedly claimed that the May 9 riots case is being used as a tool of political victimization. Party representatives argue that individuals with little or no connection to the events are being dragged into the legal battle in order to weaken Imran Khan’s political movement. Shahrez’s bail order is likely to strengthen PTI’s narrative that the cases lack sufficient evidence and are largely politically motivated.
However, government officials and security agencies continue to maintain that the May 9 riots case reflects one of the most serious threats to national security in recent history. They argue that attacks on state institutions, including military headquarters and memorials of martyrs, cannot be ignored and must be dealt with strictly under the law. For them, granting bail does not amount to acquittal, and the trial will proceed on its merits.
Legal experts point out that the May 9 riots case has become a test of Pakistan’s judicial system. On one hand, the courts must ensure accountability for acts of violence; on the other hand, they must safeguard the rights of individuals wrongly implicated. By granting Shahrez bail, the ATC has once again highlighted the importance of evidence-based prosecution rather than sweeping accusations. (Geo News, Dawn)
The ruling also adds to the ongoing debate about how Pakistan should balance political freedoms and accountability. For many analysts, the May 9 riots case illustrates the risks of blurring the lines between legitimate political dissent and unlawful violence. The coming months are expected to see further developments, as several other PTI leaders and workers continue to fight their legal battles in courts across the country.
For now, Shahrez Khan’s release marks a symbolic moment in the wider context of the May 9 riots case—one that reflects the complexities of Pakistan’s legal, political, and security landscape.
Quick Summary:
- An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore granted post-arrest bail to Imran Khan’s nephew, Shahrez Khan, in the May 9 riots case.
- Shahrez was released against a surety bond of Rs 100,000, after the court had reserved its verdict earlier in the day.
- The May 9 riots case originated from violent protests across Pakistan following Imran Khan’s arrest in 2023, which saw attacks on public and military properties.
- Shahrez’s defense argued there was no evidence linking him to the riots—his name was missing from the charge sheet and no witnesses identified him.
- Geofencing data and affidavits from residents in Chitral confirmed he was not present at the protest sites during the unrest.
- Lawyers argued he was wrongly implicated, highlighting that other accused in the May 9 riots case had already been granted bail.
- The ATC accepted these arguments, ruling in favor of bail while noting the weakness of the prosecution’s case.
- PTI claims the May 9 riots case is part of political victimization, while the government insists attacks on state institutions must be prosecuted.
- Legal experts say the case reflects a test of Pakistan’s judicial system, balancing accountability with protection of individual rights.
- Shahrez’s bail adds momentum to PTI’s narrative but the trial will continue, as courts still need to decide on several other accused.
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