On August 12, 2025, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi expressed concerns regarding the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) comments on former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bail pleas in eight cases related to the riots that occurred on May 9, 2023.
Leading a three-member Supreme Court bench alongside Justices Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Afridi questioned, “Can final observations be made in a bail case?” The hearing was adjourned until August 19, and notices were issued to the Punjab government.
Riots broke out following Khan’s arrest in a corruption case, prompting supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to attack military installations, including the residence of the Lahore Corps Commander. On June 24, 2025, a bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) upheld the denial of bail by an anti-terrorism court, which occurred in November 2024.
ہم امید کرتے ہیں جیسے سڑک کے اس پار سپریم کورٹ میں عمران خان کے 9 مئی کیسز کی ضمانتوں کی سماعت مقرر ہو سکتی ہے تو سڑک کے دوسری طرف اسلام آباد ہائیکورٹ میں بھی اس ہفتے القادر کیس کی سماعت کی تاریخ دے دینی چاہیے سڑک کے اس پار چھٹیاں نہیں ہیں تو سڑک کے اس پار بھی چھٹیاں نہیں ہونی… pic.twitter.com/NlRPBlxDOT
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 12, 2025Read: PTI Denies Funding NYT Ad for Imran Khan’s Release
The court cited evidence of Khan’s involvement in inciting violence. Khan’s appeal, submitted by Barrister Salman Safdar, argues that he was in custody during the riots, making his involvement “impossible.” The appeal also claims that the LHC relied on “engineered and fabricated evidence.”
Afridi warned against altering legal findings, as it could prejudice the case, and directed the counsels to prepare their legal arguments. Safdar’s request to speak at the podium was denied. The Lahore High Court’s verdict referenced police statements claiming that Khan instructed attacks during secret meetings in Chakri and Zaman Park prior to his arrest. Safdar disputes this allegation, arguing that it is based on “discredited” evidence.
Khan, incarcerated since August 2023, faces multiple charges, including corruption and terrorism. The Supreme Court’s scrutiny could impact his legal battles and PTI’s political standing, especially after recent convictions of other party leaders in related cases. The adjourned hearing signals a cautious judicial approach to a high-profile case. CJP Afridi’s questioning of the LHC’s verdict underscores judicial oversight in Pakistan’s polarised political climate, potentially affecting Khan’s fate and PTI’s strategy.
