Shahrez Khan, the son of Aleema Khan and nephew of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has reportedly been abducted from his Lahore residence, according to a PTI spokesperson on Thursday. The spokesperson stated that armed individuals forcibly entered Shahrez’s home, breaking down the bedroom door, and abducted him in the presence of his two children.
He alleged that Shahrez was tortured during the ordeal, despite having no involvement in any political activity. The spokesperson called for immediate judicial intervention, urging the chief justice to ensure Shahrez’s safe recovery.
This alleged abduction comes just a day after Shahrez and his wife were reportedly “illegally offloaded” from Lahore airport, highlighting what the party claims is a pattern of harassment against the family. PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja took to X (formerly Twitter) to describe the incident in detail, saying, “Aleema Bibi’s home in Lahore has been attacked by men in plain clothes. Her son, Shahrez, has been abducted, the family harassed, and the staff beaten up.”
The incident has intensified the spotlight on Aleema Khan, who has been a vocal supporter of her brother Imran Khan and has frequently pushed for his release from incarceration. Her public statements and actions for the party have, at times, even clashed with PTI’s top leadership.
On the other hand, government officials have disputed PTI’s claims. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, speaking on Geo News’ programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath,” said that the Lahore police chief denied the arrest of Aleema Khan’s son.
He added that the allegations remain unverified until evidence is produced and emphasized that in a normal legal scenario, Shahrez would be presented before a court within 24 hours. Sanaullah’s comments underscore the official position that no such abduction has been confirmed by law enforcement, contrasting sharply with the PTI’s account of the events.
As the situation unfolds, Shahrez Khan’s reported abduction has drawn nationwide attention, highlighting the deepening political tensions in Pakistan. Both the claims of the PTI and the denials by government authorities have contributed to growing public concern, with calls from the opposition for judicial oversight and the safe return of Shahrez.
The incident has once again brought Aleema Khan into the political limelight, reflecting her continued prominence in the ongoing political developments surrounding her brother and the party.
