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On August 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of Pakistan handed down a landmark ruling by granting bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eight cases tied to the violent events of May 9, 2023. This judgment marked a turning point in Khan’s long struggle with the judicial system, but it was not the end of his legal troubles, since he remains in prison over the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.
Background: The May 9 Events
The May 9 unrest began with Khan’s dramatic arrest at the Islamabad High Court. Rangers personnel forcibly detained him, sparking outrage among PTI supporters nationwide. Within hours, protests escalated into violence, with attacks on state and military properties. The Corps Commander’s House in Lahore was set ablaze, the Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar was torched, and clashes erupted across major cities.
Government and Military Response
The state declared May 9 a “black day” and launched a sweeping crackdown. Thousands of PTI workers and leaders were arrested under anti-terrorism laws. Civilians accused of attacking military sites were referred to military courts, raising concerns about constitutional rights and human rights violations.
Legal Proceedings Against Imran Khan
Khan was charged in at least eight major cases linked to the violence, accused of incitement and conspiracy. Initially, the Lahore High Court rejected his bail applications. PTI argued that the protests were spontaneous reactions and that infiltrators worsened the violence. Civil society criticized military court trials for civilians, urging fair judicial processes.
The Supreme Court’s Landmark Verdict
On August 21, 2025, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi granted Khan bail in all eight cases. The Court ruled that prosecutors had failed to prove direct involvement of Khan in acts of violence. It reaffirmed that due process and fundamental rights must be respected even in politically sensitive cases.
Political and Public Reactions
PTI hailed the verdict as a “victory for truth” and declared it a rejection of the May 9 narrative. However, Khan’s release was blocked by his conviction in the Al-Qadir Trust case. The government faced a dilemma: respect judicial independence or pursue alternative strategies to keep Khan behind bars.
International Response
International media framed the verdict as a sign of judicial independence. Human rights groups welcomed it but demanded fairness in Khan’s remaining trials. Global observers linked the ruling to Pakistan’s fragile democracy and the balance between civil institutions and the military establishment.
Implications for Pakistan’s Politics
The verdict strengthens PTI’s political narrative, suggesting that courts are willing to resist political pressure. For Pakistan, it signals both hope and uncertainty: hope that the judiciary is asserting independence, and uncertainty because Khan’s political future remains tied to unresolved cases and the wider economic and governance crisis.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision in the May 9 cases is historic. It underscores that individuals cannot be criminally punished without evidence, even in moments of political crisis. For Khan, it is partial relief; for PTI, it is symbolic victory; for Pakistan, it is a critical test of democracy, rule of law, and the balance of power between civilian leadership and military influence. The story of May 9, 2023, will continue to shape Pakistan’s political trajectory for years to come.
Written by: [madilmang.blogspot.com] | Published on: 21 August 2025
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