Government of Punjab issues notification regarding Imran's pleas for bail in nine cases dated May 9th
Supreme Court of Pakistan Hears Imran Khan's Bail Appeals in May 9 Violence Cases
The Supreme Court of Pakistan is currently considering the bail appeals of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in connection with the May 9 violence cases. A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, is hearing the appeals against the Lahore High Court's (LHC) verdict that rejected Khan's bail petitions on June 24, 2025.
The hearings have been adjourned several times, with the most recent adjournment set for August 20, 2025, to allow the court to review the documents and legal submissions submitted by both sides.
During the hearings, the Chief Justice of Pakistan made several key observations. He questioned whether final observations or findings could be made at the bail stage, as the LHC had provided a final opinion in its bail rejection. This raised legal questions about the permissibility of such findings.
The Chief Justice also emphasised that the court would not issue any final finding that might affect the merits of the underlying criminal cases. He stressed the importance of maintaining judicial caution to avoid prejudicing ongoing proceedings.
Furthermore, the Chief Justice instructed that all materials and documents submitted must be carefully reviewed by the bench and the opposing parties. Deadlines have been set for document submissions to ensure proper examination before the next hearing.
The Chief Justice also called on both defence and prosecution counsels to assist the court in addressing the legal questions involved in the bail appeals. He urged preparation on these issues for the upcoming hearings.
As of August 20, 2025, no final judicial decision on bail has been announced. The Supreme Court has taken up the bail appeals and is thoroughly considering legal and documentary evidence. The Chief Justice has signalled a cautious approach, focusing initially on procedural and legal clarifications rather than substantive verdicts that might influence the main trials.
The FIR No. 103/2023 was registered against Imran Khan under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. Imran Khan is currently incarcerated in Adiala jail.
The petition was filed under Article 185(3) of the Constitution, against the Order dated June 24, 2025 passed by the Lahore High Court in Criminal Miscellaneous application dismissing his post-arrest bail in May 9 incidents. The Lahore High Court dismissed the petition, observing that the offences alleged against Khan fall within the prohibitory clause of section 497 Cr.P.C. The court held that the case of Imran Khan is distinguishable from that of all co-accused.
The next hearing will involve the lawyers from both sides preparing on legal issues. The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, has issued a notice to the Punjab government regarding Imran Khan's bail petitions against the Lahore High Court verdict in May 9 violence cases. The court will not examine the legal aspects of the matter during this initial hearing to avoid affecting either party in the case.
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
- Politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties are urging President Trump to maintain the security agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom.
