Pakistan’s Supreme Court grants Imran Khan bail in eight May 9 cases, prompting PTI to call it a significant victory. On Thursday, August 21, 2025, Pakistan’s Supreme Court granted Imran Khan bail in eight cases linked to the May 9, 2023, riots, a decision the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) termed a “ray of hope,” though Khan remains jailed due to other convictions.
Why It Matters in South Asia
The Supreme Court’s decision on Imran Khan bail is a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s volatile political landscape, potentially reshaping PTI’s momentum and influencing South Asia’s regional dynamics. As a prominent political figure, Khan’s legal battles reflect broader tensions over governance, judicial independence, and political stability in the region.
Imran Khan Bail: Supreme Court’s Ruling
A three-member Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, alongside Justices Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Hasan Azhar Rizvi, approved Imran Khan bail in eight cases related to the May 9, 2023, violence, overturning a Lahore High Court (LHC) ruling from Monday, June 24, 2025. The cases involve charges of inciting violence, vandalism, and attacks on military and government installations, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence. The court ruled that no formal indictments or charge sheets were filed, justifying the bail approval, according to Dawn.
PTI celebrated the verdict, with a post on X stating, “Supreme Court granted bail to Imran Khan for May 9th cases. #May9th_FalseFlag operation proven!” The party’s international spokesman, Zulfiqar Bukhari, noted that Khan now requires bail in only one case—the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case—to secure release.
Legal Context and Challenges
The Supreme Court’s ruling followed arguments from Khan’s lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, and Punjab Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi. Chief Justice Afridi questioned the prosecution’s evidence, asking, “Apart from oral and electronic evidence, what else do you have against the accused?” He emphasized that evidence evaluation belongs to the trial court, not the bail stage, to avoid prejudicing the process. The bench summoned both lawyers to chambers at 1:00 PM on August 21 for the written order, ensuring trial impartiality.
Despite the Imran Khan bail approval, his release remains unlikely due to convictions in the Al-Qadir Trust case and a state gifts case, with sentences ongoing since August 2023 at Adiala Jail. The PTI alleges Khan faces solitary confinement and restricted access to basic facilities, claims unverified by official sources.
Political Implications for PTI
The PTI views the ruling as a boost to its narrative of political victimization. The party’s post on X on August 21, 2025, hailed the decision as a “Victory For Imran Khan,” reflecting optimism among supporters. However, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar downplayed the ruling, stating, “Bail is given to murderers, robbers and every criminal,” emphasizing that it does not equate to acquittal and trials are pending.
The May 9 riots, triggered by Khan’s arrest in a corruption case, saw PTI supporters attack key installations, leading to thousands of arrests and military court trials for some leaders. The Supreme Court’s decision could bolster PTI’s political momentum, especially after securing a majority in the 2024 elections but being excluded from government formation.
Background
Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former prime minister, has faced numerous legal challenges since his ouster in April 2022. The May 9, 2023, riots erupted after his arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Al-Qadir Trust case, prompting widespread protests. Khan denies inciting violence, claiming charges are politically motivated to sideline him. The PTI’s resilience, despite state crackdowns and loss of its electoral symbol, underscores Khan’s enduring popularity in Pakistan and South Asia.
What’s Next
The Imran Khan bail ruling may energize PTI’s campaign for his release, with the Al-Qadir Trust case now the primary barrier. Ongoing trials and political tensions will shape Pakistan’s stability, with implications for South Asia’s geopolitical landscape as PTI pushes for Imran Khan bail in remaining cases.
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