Islamabad: In a significant legal development, Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in eight cases linked to the violent protests of May 9, 2023.
The decision, hailed by PTI supporters as a major victory, marks a pivotal moment in Khan’s ongoing legal battles, though his release from prison remains uncertain due to a pending conviction in thesony
The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and including Justices Shafi Siddiqui and Hasan Azhar Rizvi, approved Khan’s bail pleas after hearing arguments from his lawyer, Salman Safdar, and Punjab Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi.
Rejected Bail Pleas in Past
The court’s ruling came after Khan’s earlier bail petitions were rejected by a Lahore anti-terrorism court in November 2024 and the Lahore High Court on June 24, 2025. The May 9 riots erupted following Khan’s arrest in Islamabad on corruption charges, leading to widespread vandalism and attacks on government and military installations by PTI supporters.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Afridi emphasized that the court would not delve into the case’s merits to avoid prejudicing the trial, stating, “That is sufficient. We are granting bail.” The decision overturns the Lahore High Court’s dismissal of Khan’s bail pleas, which had been deemed inadmissible. PTI celebrated the ruling on X, with posts proclaiming “Victory For Imran Khan” and describing the May 9 cases as a “False Flag operation.” The party’s international spokesman, Zulfiqar Bukhari, noted that Khan now requires bail in only one remaining case, the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, to secure his release from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where he has been incarcerated since August 2023.
Despite the bail approval, Khan’s immediate release is unlikely due to his conviction in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, alongside other pending trials.
Imran Khan’s involvement in May 9 Violence Case
The May 9 cases stem from allegations of Khan inciting violence, including an attack on the Lahore corps commander’s residence. The Supreme Court clarified that its decision does not influence the trial’s outcome, which will proceed based on evidence evaluated by the trial court.
The ruling has sparked widespread reactions, with PTI supporters expressing optimism about Khan’s eventual release.
A video shared by PTI on X quoted Khan saying, “When the night becomes darkest, it means morning is about to come,” reflecting hope amid his legal challenges. However, the Pakistan Army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, reiterated its stance that those involved in the May 9 violence will face accountability, underscoring the case’s national significance.
As Khan, aged 72, continues to face multiple legal battles stemming from his ouster in April 2022, this development offers temporary relief and bolsters PTI’s political momentum.
The Supreme Court’s decision highlights the ongoing judicial and political turbulence in Pakistan, with the nation watching closely for further developments in Khan’s legal saga.