Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday approved bail for former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eight cases tied to the May 9, 2023 disturbances.
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| SC Grants Imran Khan Bail in Eight May 9 Cases |
The violent protests erupted after Khan’s arrest in 2023, when PTI supporters stormed streets nationwide, targeting government buildings, military installations, and even the Lahore corps commander’s residence. Thousands were detained in the aftermath, including senior PTI leaders.
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Background of the Case:
In November 2024, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore had denied Khan bail in several of these cases, including the one related to the attack on the corps commander’s house. His appeals were later dismissed by the Lahore High Court (LHC) in June 2025. Following that rejection, Khan’s legal team moved the Supreme Court for relief.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, along with Justices Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Hasan Azhar Rizvi, heard the petitions. Barrister Salman Safdar represented Khan, while Punjab Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi appeared on behalf of the state.
Courtroom Proceedings:
During the hearing, CJP Afridi pressed the prosecutor on whether courts could make final observations in bail cases, pointing out that previous rulings suggested bail decisions should not prejudice ongoing trials.
The Chief Justice also raised questions about consistency in rulings, noting that the LHC had granted bail to other suspects on conspiracy charges. “Show us a case where the Supreme Court has denied bail in a conspiracy matter,” he remarked.
The prosecutor argued that there was concrete evidence against Khan, including witness statements and alleged conspiracy materials circulated on social media. However, the bench emphasized that the merits of the case would be decided at trial, not at the bail stage.
Justice Rizvi also questioned why, despite Khan being on bail for two months after the riots, the police had not completed their investigation in that period.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the bench approved Khan’s bail pleas in all eight cases.
Political Reactions:
The ruling was celebrated by PTI, which launched the hashtag #VictoryForImranKhan across social media, framing the decision as a moral win for their jailed leader.
The government, however, downplayed the development. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that bail did not mean acquittal, comparing it to “a relief granted even to robbers and murderers.” He stressed that Khan was still a convicted prisoner in other cases, including the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust corruption reference, for which he remains behind bars in Adiala Jail.
The Bigger Picture:
While the Supreme Court’s ruling gives Khan some legal relief, it does not secure his release. The PTI founder continues to face multiple pending trials related to the May 9 riots and corruption allegations. Legal experts note that Thursday’s decision is significant in principle but has limited impact on his immediate incarceration.
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