Pakistan's top court delays Imran Khan’s bail petitions in May 9 cases after 'prosecutor falls ill'

Pakistan’s Supreme Court postponed on Wednesday a hearing on eight bail petitions filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan after the prosecutor in the case fell ill.

The petitions relate to a string of charges stemming from the violent protests of May 9, 2023, when Khan’s arrest sparked nationwide unrest.

The hearing had already been delayed once on Tuesday after Chief Justice Yahya Afridi said he had not yet reviewed documents submitted by PTI lawyers.

Special prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi was absent from the courtroom due to "food poisoning." His associate informed the court of his condition and requested that proceedings be adjourned until Monday.

CJ Afridi instead delayed the hearing until Thursday, remarking that the prosecutor “will get well by tomorrow.” The court will reconvene at 10:30 a.m.

Khan’s lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, asked the court for permission to begin his arguments. But Afridi ruled that the prosecution must first explain why a Lahore High Court order against Khan should be sustained. “We have told them the main crust of your case, and they have to assist the court first,” the chief justice said.

Safdar expressed frustration with repeated delays. He told the bench that “too many adjournments” had been granted in earlier proceedings and urged the Supreme Court not to follow the same pattern. Afridi reassured him that there would not be “extensive adjournments” at this stage.

Safdar also sought permission for Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, to address the bench. Afridi rejected the request. “I won’t allow any family member to address this court,” he said.

May 9 cases

The May 9 cases remain some of the most politically sensitive proceedings in Pakistan. That day, Khan’s arrest on corruption charges triggered violent protests across the country. Demonstrators stormed military facilities, clashed with police, and set government buildings on fire.

The government labeled the unrest a coordinated assault on the state, while Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party insisted the protests were spontaneous expressions of anger at his detention.

Khan, a former cricket star who served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until his ouster in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in 2022, has been in prison since August 2023. He faces dozens of cases ranging from corruption to terrorism-related charges. Khan denies all allegations, calling them politically motivated attempts to sideline him and his party.

The outcome of the May 9 cases could play a significant role in shaping Khan’s political future. PTI continues to claim widespread support among Pakistanis disillusioned with the ruling coalition, while the state has intensified legal and political pressure against Khan and his allies.

The hearing will now resume Thursday morning.