Supreme Court Grants Imran Khan Bail in Eight May 9 Cases
Islamabad – August 21, 2025: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has accepted bail pleas filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eight separate cases linked to the May 9, 2023 riots.
The violent protests had erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest, during which Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters vandalized state properties, attacked military installations, and stormed the residence of the Lahore Corps Commander. Thousands of protesters, including top PTI leaders, were detained in the aftermath.
Background of the Cases
In November 2024, a Lahore anti-terrorism court rejected Khan’s bail in multiple May 9 cases, including the attack on the corps commander’s residence. His appeal was later dismissed by the Lahore High Court (LHC) on June 24, 2025. The PTI chief subsequently approached the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling.
A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and comprising Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, heard the petitions.
Representing Khan was Barrister Salman Safdar, while the Punjab government was represented by Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi. After hearing arguments from both sides, the apex court announced its verdict, approving bail in all eight cases.
PTI’s Reaction and Government Response
Following the ruling, PTI celebrated the decision on social media with the hashtag #VictoryForImranKhan.
However, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized the celebrations, stating that bail does not equate to acquittal.
“Even murderers and criminals get bail. The trial is still ongoing, and the May 9 violence remains the case of the entire nation,” he said.
Key Moments from the Hearing
Prosecutor Naqvi admitted his absence in the earlier hearing due to illness.
CJP Afridi questioned whether final observations could be made in bail cases, stressing that the Supreme Court would not comment on merits to avoid influencing the trial.
He asked the prosecutor to provide an example where the apex court had denied bail in conspiracy-related cases.
Justice Rizvi criticized the prosecution for failing to present clear evidence, while Naqvi insisted on the presence of social media evidence and witness statements linking Khan to the conspiracy.
The bench noted that similar conspiracy cases had previously resulted in bail being granted, urging the state to prove how Khan’s situation was different.
After deliberation, the court ruled in Khan’s favor, granting bail in all eight petitions.
Imran Khan’s Legal Battles Continue
Despite this relief, Khan remains incarcerated at Adiala Jail. He was convicted in August 2023 in the £190 million graft case, also known as the Toshakhana reference, and continues to face multiple other pending trials connected to the May 9 riots.
The Supreme Court clarified that today’s ruling only concerns bail applications and does not affect the trial proceedings, which will determine Khan’s eventual fate.