Supreme Court Grants Bail to Imran Khan in Multiple Cases Amid Ongoing Trials

On Thursday, Pakistan's Supreme Court granted bail to Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in connection to eight cases pertaining to the violence of May 9. Geo News reported that the court's decision arose during a hearing concerning numerous charges filed against Khan following nationwide protests and assaults on government and military sites in 2023.

A bench composed of Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb presided over the petitions. Despite the Supreme Court's ruling in Khan's favor, reports suggest his release isn't imminent. He faces ongoing imprisonment due to separate convictions relating to state gifts and a significant financial case amounting to £190 million.

Although the PTI praised the judgment as a 'Victory For Imran Khan' via a social media post, they acknowledge that further trials from the May 9 incidents remain. Khan's recent bail appeal on similar charges was previously overturned by the Lahore High Court on June 24, only to be contested at the Supreme Court. The unrest surrounding Khan's initial arrest spurred violent PTI protests targeting public institutions, including military facilities in Lahore.

(With inputs from agencies.)