LHC adjourns proceedings on Imran's May 9 bail pleas

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday adjourned proceedings until May 27 in connection with the post-arrest bail petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan in eight cases related to the May 9 riots.

A division bench of the LHC, led by Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, was hearing the pleas submitted by Khan through his counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar.

In his petition, Khan contended that the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) III in Lahore had already confirmed his pre-arrest bail in two of the May 9 cases and subsequently granted post-arrest bail in four others.

He argued that the judgments issued by both the LHC and the ATC judges in Lahore and Rawalpindi provided a sound basis for bail, particularly as they addressed similar allegations which, according to the petitioner, stemmed from politically motivated complaints.

Khan has remained in custody since his arrest, and his bail petitions had not been listed for hearing since notices were issued to the respondents on January 16, 2025.

The petition described the cases as "frivolous" and "malicious," asserting that they were an attempt by political opponents to falsely implicate him. It urged the court to take up the matter without further delay, highlighting that the petitioner has substantial and legally compelling grounds for bail.

"It is a settled principle of law that justice should not only be done but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done," the petition stated, pressing the court for an expedited hearing in the interest of justice.

The bench, after hearing preliminary arguments, adjourned the proceedings to May 27 for further deliberation.