In November 2024, a Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court denied Imran Khan bail in eight cases related to the violent May 9, 2023 unrest, including attacks on civil and military installations related to the Corps Commander’s house, Askari Tower, and police station at Lahore. The Lahore High Court rejected his bail plea on June 24, 2025,
This legal congestion has kept Imran Khan behind bars—where he has been since August 2023—serving a sentence in connection with a state case and the Al-Qadir Trust corruption allegations.
Why It Felt immense for Imran Khan
The charge leveled against Imran Khan was serious: prosecutors cited three witnesses, photogrammetric and voice-matching evidence, and WhatsApp messages. But the Supreme Court chose not to evaluate factual merits at this stage.
He argued he was in NAB custody during the unrest, making involvement impossible. He also accused the authorities of making politically motivated delays and issuing contradictory statements.
For supporters, this legal pressure felt relentless—one more hurdle in a series of complex charges and denied bail requests, steeped in political tension.
Supreme Court Bail Approval
Then, on August 21, 2025, a positive and decisive moment arrived. A three-member Supreme Court bench—led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, with Justices Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui—approved Imran Khan’s bail pleas in all eight May-9 cases.
CJP Afridi emphasized that factual weight should be determined by the trial court, not during bail hearings. He focused on whether bail could be denied outright, asking the prosecution to distinguish this case from past instances where bail in conspiracy allegations was granted.
The bench’s measured, legally sound tone reflects strong expertise and authoritativeness. The ruling doesn’t exonerate Imran Khan, but it restores a fundamental legal right while preserving due process.
Why This Bail Decision Matters
A. It Restores Legal Balance
Granting bail underscores that even high-profile figures deserve fair treatment. The court recognized that Imran Khan faced serious charges—but also weighed the legal standard for bail before a verdict.
B. A Step Toward Fair Trial
By redirecting factual examination to trial courts, the SC upheld the principle of due process. This preserves impartiality in politically sensitive cases.
C. Raises Pressure for Case Completion
Now released on bail in these eight cases, Imran Khan must still face trial in both May-9 cases and separate corruption matters. This shift may accelerate hearings and compel state authorities to act with greater clarity.
4. What’s Next?
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Trial Court Action
The factual merits of the May-9 cases will now be decided in trial courts, where evidence like messages and photogrammetric tests will be examined. -
Focus on Remaining Cases
Imran Khan remains imprisoned for other charges—like the £190 million trust case—so the road to full freedom is still long. -
Political Fallout
His party framed the ruling as a “long-anticipated victory.” Whether it sparks momentum for PTI’s legal and political strategy remains to be seen.