Imran Khan's Bail Rejected in Eight May 9 Riots Cases

In a major legal setback for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan’s bail requests in eight separate cases tied to the May 9 riots were rejected by the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday. The two-member bench, led by Justice Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, delivered the verdict after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution teams.

These cases, including the high-profile Jinnah House attack, stem from the violent nationwide protests following Khan’s arrest in 2023. This marks the second time Khan’s bail has been denied in these cases, after the Anti-Terrorism Court also rejected the pleas in November 2024.

Background: May 9 riots and the fallout

The events of May 9, 2023, have become a defining moment in Pakistan’s recent political history. The arrest of Imran Khan at the Islamabad High Court triggered a wave of unrest, with PTI supporters storming and vandalising public and military properties. Key military sites, including Lahore’s Corps Commander House, also known as Jinnah House, and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, were targeted.

Authorities launched widespread crackdowns, resulting in the arrest of several PTI leaders and supporters. While some have secured bail, many, including Khan, remain behind bars as trials and investigations continue.

Imran Khan’s bail does not seem possible anytime soon

Since his removal through a no-confidence motion in April 2022, Khan has been entangled in a web of legal challenges ranging from corruption to terrorism. He has been imprisoned since August 2023, following convictions in multiple cases, which also barred him from contesting the February 8 general elections.

The rejection of Imran Khan’s bail adds to the PTI chief’s mounting legal woes and prolongs his absence from the political scene. With several of his party leaders still under trial, the PTI faces a difficult road ahead in rebuilding momentum amid internal turmoil and external pressures.