Pakistan's Supreme Court Grants Imran Khan Bail

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has granted bail to former Prime Minister and PTI leader Imran Khan in eight cases related to the May 9, 2023, violence. The incidents followed his arrest and involved assaults on government and military establishments by his supporters.

However, the ruling offers only partial reprieve for the incarcerated leader, as he continues to remain behind bars, facing additional high-profile cases, including the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust graft case, convictions related to state gifts, and other terrorism-related charges.

What the Court Decision Means

The bail applies exclusively to the eight cases linked to the May 9 riots, where widespread violence erupted across the country.

Appeals in these cases had previously been denied by anti-terrorism courts and the Lahore High Court, prompting the escalation to the Supreme Court.

Despite this milestone, Khan’s legal battles remain extensive, and his continued detention underscores the complexity of the judicial process.

Background: The May 9 Incident & Legal Fallout

The May 9 unrest was triggered by Imran Khan’s arrest, igniting nationwide protests, including attacks on military installations and government offices. This turmoil led to multiple FIRs and legal proceedings against him and PTI members.

His journey through the courts has been fraught, with bail applications repeatedly dismissed until now — making this Supreme Court decision a notable, albeit limited, breakthrough.

The Road Ahead

Imran Khan’s allies, including spokesperson Zulfiqar Bukhari, are calling this ruling a “victory,” noting that only the Al-Qadir case remains between him and a potential release. But with his incarceration deeply tied to this and other serious charges, his freedom remains uncertain—and dependent on decisions in those trials.