Two years on, Pakistan's top court grants bail to Senator Ejaz Chaudhry in May 9 riots case

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Senator Ejaz Chaudhry of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against a surety bond of PKR 100,000 ($350).

Chaudhry had been in police custody since May 11, 2023, and was not allowed to attend Senate sessions despite multiple production orders issued by Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani.

In January, Gillani issued an order for Chaudhry’s production so he could attend the session, but jail authorities failed to comply, prompting a protest by PTI senators. Gillani later refused to preside over Senate meetings until the order was implemented.

In November, Chaudhry was among 22 PTI members indicted by a Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court in connection with the May 9, 2023, riots, when PTI supporters attacked military installations following the arrest of party leader Imran Khan.

Chaudhry was accused of inciting violence and being part of a conspiracy. “Ejaz Chaudhry incited people and was part of a conspiracy,” said the special prosecutor during the hearing.

However, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan questioned the strength of the case: “If the case against Ejaz Chaudhry was really that strong, it should have been taken to a military court – 600 people have already been taken to military courts. Bail cannot be used as a punishment.”

The case was heard by a three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Afghan.

Chaudhry, a senior PTI leader, was transferred from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail to a hospital in late February due to deteriorating health. According to his spokesperson, he underwent coronary artery bypass surgery and has since stabilized.