The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday postponed the hearing of Imran Khan’s appeal challenging the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) rejection of his bail requests in multiple cases linked to the May 9 unrest. The hearing, conducted by a two-judge bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, was adjourned until August 12 following a request by Khan’s legal counsel, Salman Akram Raja.

Background: May 9 Violence and Legal Battle

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former prime minister, is facing legal challenges in connection with the May 9 riots that erupted across the country after his arrest. Among the most high-profile incidents was the attack on Jinnah House in Lahore, allegedly carried out by PTI supporters.

In June 2025, the Lahore High Court had dismissed Khan’s bail pleas in eight separate cases tied to the violence. On Thursday last week, Khan filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, seeking reversal of the LHC’s decision.

Imran Khan’s Legal Position

In his petition, Khan argued that the First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged against him were unsupported by concrete evidence. He denied any involvement in the violent protests, claiming that he was in National Accountability Bureau (NAB) custody at the time the riots took place, making it impossible for him to participate in the incidents.

The former premier also pointed out contradictions in prosecution statements, raising suspicions of politically motivated charges. He further argued that other co-accused have been granted bail, while his application was unfairly denied.

Khan also questioned the reliability of delayed police statements and emphasized that he deserves the right to a thorough investigation and fair bail proceedings.

Earlier Developments

Before the LHC ruling, Khan’s bail petitions had already been rejected by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on November 27, 2024, in the same eight cases. The LHC’s decision on June 24, 2025, came after both prosecution and defense completed their arguments.

What’s Next

With the Supreme Court hearing now rescheduled to August 12, Khan’s legal team is expected to present a renewed argument against the bail rejections. The outcome will be critical not only for Khan’s personal legal battles but also for PTI’s ongoing political struggle as it seeks to regain ground amid mounting legal pressure on its leadership.