The Supreme Court of Pakistan has adjourned the hearing of PTI founder Imran Khan’s bail pleas in eight cases related to the May 9 riots until August 12. The court declined to issue notices to relevant parties, as requested by Khan’s lawyer, Salman Akram Raja. The two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, rejected the plea for an early hearing, prolonging the legal battle for the former prime minister.
Imran Khan has been denied bail in these cases by both an anti-terrorism court and the Lahore High Court (LHC). His legal team argues that he was in NAB custody during the May 9 violence, making his involvement impossible. They allege that the cases are part of a political vendetta following his removal from power. The fresh appeal to the Supreme Court claims the LHC relied on “engineered and fabricated evidence” to reject his bail.
The LHC’s detailed verdict cited prosecution evidence suggesting Imran Khan’s role in the riots. Witnesses, including police officials, claimed he had secretly instructed PTI leaders to attack military installations if he was arrested. These alleged meetings reportedly took place in Rawalpindi and Lahore just days before the violent protests erupted.
Following Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023, widespread riots broke out, targeting military sites. The state launched a crackdown, filing multiple cases against him. While he has been acquitted in some, including the cipher and Iddat cases, the May 9 proceedings remain a major legal hurdle. The next hearing on August 12 will determine whether the Supreme Court grants him relief or extends his judicial ordeal.