The Supreme Court of Pakistan adjourned the bail hearing of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan until 10:30 AM on August 21 due to the special prosecutor’s illness. The hearing, overseen by a three-member bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, alongside Justices Shafi Siddiqui and Gul Hassan Aurangzeb, continues to address Khan’s ongoing legal challenges.
Imran Khan’s counsel, Salman Safdar, highlighted repeated delays in the case, noting 16 hearings and eight prosecutor changes at the Lahore High Court. He argued that the prosecution’s frequent adjournment requests have prolonged the process unnecessarily. Safdar urged the court to hear the defence’s arguments, but Chief Justice Afridi insisted on reviewing the prosecution’s position first, stating, “The prosecution must justify how the High Court ruling can be sustained.”
The court rejected a request to allow Khan’s sisters to speak, with Afridi clarifying, “Only lawyers may present arguments; no family member can address the bench.” The Chief Justice assured no further long adjournments, emphasising a swift resolution.
Read: Supreme Court Adjourns Imran Khan’s Bail Hearing to August 20
Khan, ousted as prime minister in April 2022, has faced multiple legal cases, including corruption and terrorism charges. His bail petition, previously denied by the Lahore High Court in November 2024, has been pending for six months. The Supreme Court earlier issued a notice to the Punjab government, directing the prosecution to prepare legal arguments without impacting other cases involving Khan.
The adjournment marks another chapter in Khan’s legal saga, drawing attention from PTI supporters and critics. The court’s commitment to avoiding prolonged delays signals a focus on fairness, with the August 21 hearing expected to clarify the prosecution’s stance and advance the case.
