Supreme Court Shows Encouragement: Imran Khan Granted Bail in May 9 Riots Cases
ISLAMABAD – In a development that brings renewed hope, Pakistan’s Supreme Court has granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eight cases related to the May 9, 2023 events—marking a significant step toward justice and fairness. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), welcomed the decision, stating that only one more case—the Al-Qadir Trust case—remains before Mr. Khan may be fully free.
The May 9 protests erupted after his arrest in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case, leading to unrest nationwide. Despite the gravity of the situation, this latest ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to due process and balanced deliberation.
On the Al-Qadir Trust case, Mr. Khan and his wife received 14- and 7-year sentences respectively in January, accused of receiving land during his premiership. However, the couple has maintained the land was intended to support their welfare and spiritual initiatives, not for personal enrichment.
Mr. Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 following a prior conviction in the Toshakhana state gifts case—events that prevented him from contesting the 2024 general elections. He has consistently denied the charges and highlighted what he and his supporters perceive as political motivations behind the charges.
This bail ruling is being seen as a positive development by many, offering another chance for the courts to review his cases fairly and redefine the course of legal and political discourse in the country.
