Former prime minister Imran Khan secured a major legal relief on Thursday as the Supreme Court granted him post-arrest bail in eight cases tied to the May 9 riots. The decision overturns a Lahore High Court ruling that had previously denied him bail.
The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, ruled in Khan’s favor, allowing his appeals against the June 24 LHC order. The FIRs were lodged in multiple Lahore police stations, accusing Khan under provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, Anti-Terrorism Act, Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and Arms Ordinance.
Prosecutors alleged Khan conspired to incite violence, citing witness testimony and media footage. However, the bench observed that such claims must be fully tested during trial. “The material brought on record requires scrutiny and is best adjudged after recording evidence,” the order read.
Khan’s lawyers invoked the principle of consistency, stressing that co-accused figures had already been granted bail. The Court endorsed this view, noting that similar treatment must be applied to Khan.
The Supreme Court’s ruling converted the petitions into appeals and allowed bail subject to Rs100,000 bonds with one surety for each case.
This comes after the Lahore High Court’s rejection in June, which PTI denounced as “unjust” and politically motivated.
The May 9 unrest, triggered by Khan’s arrest, led to widespread violence across Pakistan, with attacks on military sites including Jinnah House and GHQ. While some PTI leaders were acquitted, many others, including senior figures, were sentenced by Anti-Terrorism Courts. Military trials also followed, with dozens convicted and a few later pardoned.