ISLAMABAD – July 29, 2025: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has adjourned the hearing on former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bail appeals in multiple cases linked to the May 9 mayhem. The hearing has been postponed until August 12, following a request from Khan’s legal counsel.
A two-member bench, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, took up the case on Tuesday. Khan had earlier challenged the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) June 24 decision that rejected his bail pleas in eight cases, including the attack on Lahore’s Jinnah House during the May 9 riots.
During the proceedings, Khan’s lawyer Salman Akram Raja requested more time to prepare, which the court accepted without issuing any notices.
In his petition to the top court, Imran Khan argued that the First Information Reports (FIRs) against him lacked credible evidence. He also stated that he was in National Accountability Bureau (NAB) custody during the riots, making his participation impossible.
The petition highlighted contradictions in the prosecution’s statements and accused the police of acting with bad intent. It claimed that officers delayed arresting Khan for five months despite his availability.
Khan further emphasized that several co-accused in the same cases had already been granted bail. He argued that the delayed and vague statements by the police made the case unreliable. Therefore, he insisted he was entitled to bail.
Earlier, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) had dismissed Khan’s bail requests on November 27, 2024. The LHC upheld that decision last month, leading Khan to seek relief from the Supreme Court.
The May 9 mayhem cases remain politically sensitive, as they involve allegations of incitement to violence and attacks on state institutions. The upcoming hearing on August 12 is expected to be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
For more on Imran Khan’s family’s recent political engagements, read about his sons’ meeting with Trump aide Richard Grenell here.
