DND Report: For the first time, the government has taken direct action against two nephews of former prime minister Imran Khan, who had fled the country after the May 9, 2023 vandalism and mutiny attempt.
Both Sher Shah and Shahrez Azeem Khan have now been arrested based on concrete evidence of their involvement in the attacks on state property, security personnel, and Jinnah House.
Arrest of Sher Shah
During the May 9 attack on Jinnah House, accused Sher Shah was seen in the company of convicted criminal Hasan Niazi. Following the riots, he initially went into hiding and later escaped to London, where he continued to run propaganda and digital campaigns against the state for nearly two years.
On August 22, 2025, Sher Shah was arrested upon his return to Pakistan. According to police, he is implicated in arson, siege of state property, vandalism of a police van, and attacks on law enforcement officers. Investigators claim to possess authentic video evidence confirming his presence at the crime scene.
An FIR had already been registered against him in connection with the May 9 case, and police have requested a 30-day physical remand for his polygraph and further investigations.
Arrest of Shahrez Azeem Khan
The second accused, Shahrez Azeem Khan, was also arrested for his role in the planning and execution of the May 9 attack. His name appeared in the supplementary report submitted in September 2023. Shahrez was formally arrested on August 21, 2025, following the registration of a fresh FIR and was presented before the court the next day.
Police revealed that his involvement was confirmed through video evidence and geo-fencing data. They have similarly requested a 30-day physical remand for Shahrez.
Role in Digital Propaganda
Both brothers allegedly played a key role in running a covert digital media cell that targeted Pakistan and its armed forces. Investigations suggest they operated social media accounts not only for PTI but also linked to networks in India, with campaigns aimed at defaming the Pakistan Army.
Reports further claim that their mother, Aleema Khan, also contributed to these campaigns, while her sons covertly pushed anti-state narratives during the “Marka-e-Haq” period, attempting to frame tensions between Pakistan and India as a staged “Noora Kushti.” Despite her controversial role, the government has so far refrained from taking direct action against her.
Government Stance
Officials maintain that the arrests of Sher Shah and Shahrez demonstrate the state’s resolve to hold accountable anyone involved in violent or anti-state activities. The government emphasized that no one—regardless of political affiliation or family background—will be allowed to escape justice if they attack the state, its institutions, or its people.
Meanwhile, PTI’s social media continues to run campaigns criticizing the arrests, portraying them as political victimization. Authorities, however, insist that the arrests are based on solid evidence gathered through months of investigation.
