The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Punjab government regarding the bail petitions of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in the May 9 violence cases. This development occurred as a three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, resumed its hearing on a series of appeals filed by the PTI founder. The appeals challenge the rejection of his bail applications by the Lahore High Court (LHC) in the May 9 incidents.
During the proceedings, CJP Afridi noted that certain “findings” had been attached to the bail petitions. He stated that, for now, the court would not comment on the accuracy of these findings or examine their legal aspects at this stage. The CJP explained that the court was only issuing notices today because discussing the legal findings at this stage could potentially affect either party in the case.
The Chief Justice questioned whether final observations could be made in a bail plea. He instructed the lawyers for both sides to assist the court on legal questions and to be prepared on the legal issues by the next hearing. The case hearing has been adjourned until August 19.
Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala jail, had filed petitions in the Supreme Court under Article 185(3) of the Constitution. He sought leave to appeal against the LHC’s order from June 24, 2025, which had dismissed his post-arrest bail application. In its order, the Lahore High Court had observed that the offenses alleged against the petitioner fell under the prohibitory clause of section 497 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and his counsel was unable to present circumstances that would warrant further inquiry into his guilt. The court also held that Imran Khan’s case was distinct from that of his co-accused.
