The keyword May 9 riots returned to the spotlight as the Supreme Court on Tuesday adjourned former prime minister Imran Khan’s bail plea hearing until August 12. The delay came at the request of his legal team during proceedings on his appeal challenging the Lahore High Court’s rejection of bail in eight cases tied to the violent incidents of May 9, 2023.
CJP Chairs Supreme Court Bench
A two-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, heard the petition filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder. The court briefly addressed the matter before allowing the adjournment plea by Khan’s lawyer, Salman Akram Raja.
The former premier had approached the apex court after the Lahore High Court turned down his bail applications last month in multiple cases. These include the high-profile attack on Lahore’s Jinnah House, which served as a key symbol during the violent protests.
Khan Claims No Involvement in Violence
Khan has consistently denied any involvement in the May 9 riots. In his petition, he argued that he was in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) when the events unfolded, making it impossible for him to participate or incite violence.
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He called the allegations baseless and politically motivated. His legal team maintained that there was insufficient evidence linking him to the incidents. Furthermore, they criticized the police’s handling of the case, pointing to contradictions in the prosecution’s statements.
Questions Raised Over Police Conduct
The PTI founder’s petition also accused the police of intentionally delaying his arrest for five months while conducting a flawed investigation. He demanded a thorough probe into what he described as “mala fide intent” by law enforcement officials.
Khan’s legal counsel claimed that the prosecution relied on unreliable evidence and statements recorded long after the events. They argued that such delay undermined the credibility of the case and violated basic legal principles.
Precedent of Bail for Co-Accused
Another point raised in the petition focused on the legal precedent. Several co-accused individuals allegedly involved in the same cases have already been granted bail. Khan’s team contended that he deserves the same treatment under the law.
They stressed that justice demands equal application, regardless of political background or public profile. By denying Khan bail, the system risked exposing itself to accusations of selective accountability, his lawyer added.
LHC’s Previous Ruling in Focus
The Lahore High Court had rejected Khan’s bail petitions in June after detailed hearings from both the prosecution and the defence. A two-member LHC bench, headed by Justice Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, issued its reserved verdict on June 24.
The decision became a flashpoint for PTI supporters, many of whom believe the legal cases are part of a broader crackdown on political dissent. The party has consistently labeled the cases against Khan as “fabricated” and “revenge-driven.”
History of Bail Rejections
This isn’t the first legal setback for the PTI founder in connection with the May 9 riots. On November 27, 2024, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) had already dismissed his bail pleas in the same eight cases.
Those cases were later escalated to the Lahore High Court, which eventually upheld the ATC’s decisions, prompting Khan to approach the Supreme Court for relief.
Political and Legal Stakes Remain High
With the hearing now pushed to mid-August, the political and legal stakes remain intense. Khan remains embroiled in several other court battles while his party faces growing pressure from both the state and legal institutions.
Supporters view the Supreme Court appeal as a key opportunity to set the record straight and possibly secure bail, which could shift momentum in Khan’s favor amid ongoing legal hurdles. Meanwhile, the government continues to defend the legitimacy of the legal process.
As August 12 nears, all eyes will be on the apex court’s response to Khan’s claims and whether the PTI founder receives the legal reprieve he seeks.
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