Shahrez Khan unable to compete in Ironman 70.3 World Championship after travel ban

Former prime minister Imran Khan’s nephew, Shahrez Khan, has said that he will not be able to participate in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship after being barred from leaving the country.

He took to X to share that his name had been placed on the passport control list, preventing him from travelling to Spain for the world triathlon.

“I’m not involved in politics; I’m an athlete, and my only goal is to represent Pakistan with pride,” his post read.

Shahrez Khan, an Oxford graduate and the regional head at global linen supplier Simba Global in Australia, began his athletic journey by competing in half marathons, duathlons, and 10K races despite maintaining a successful professional career.

One week to the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Spain — the biggest stage in world triathlon. I’m the only Pakistani to qualify, but I can’t travel because I’m on the passport control list. I’m not involved in politics — I’m an athlete, and my only goal is to represent… pic.twitter.com/pv6raTrbDh

— Shahrez Khan (@Shahrez_KhanPK) November 2, 2025

He is the only Pakistani to qualify for the Ironman 70.3 triathlon, which includes a 1.9 km (1.2-mile) swim, a 90 km (56-mile) bike ride, and a 21.1 km (13.1-mile) half marathon.

Known for his discipline and determination, Shahrez trains rigorously for long hours while balancing his work commitments. Since 2022, he has participated in seven Ironman 70.3 events, securing 10th place in his group during the competition in Mossel Bay, South Africa last year.

Before his arrest, he also took part in the run segment of the Ironman 70.3 event in Muscat, Oman.