Supreme Court Presses Prosecution in Imran Khan Bail Case
ISLAMABAD – A three-member Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, on Monday resumed hearings in the bail case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
During the proceedings, Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, argued that the case had been subject to repeated delays in the Lahore High Court, where 16 hearings were held and eight prosecutors were replaced. He said the prosecution’s frequent adjournment requests had unnecessarily prolonged the matter.
Safdar requested that the defense be allowed to present its arguments. However, Chief Justice Afridi responded that the court would first hear the prosecution. “The prosecution must justify how the High Court ruling can be sustained,” the Chief Justice remarked.
The bench also rejected a plea seeking permission for Imran Khan’s sisters to address the court. “Only lawyers may present arguments; no family member can address the bench,” the Chief Justice said.
Safdar further reminded the court that the Lahore High Court had denied Khan bail in November last year, and that the case remained idle for six months before any progress was made. He said the defense was weary of repeated delays.
Chief Justice Afridi assured both sides that the Supreme Court would not allow unnecessary adjournments. “We assure you, no long adjournments will be granted,” he noted, adding that the case would be taken up again tomorrow.
Earlier, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Punjab government on Khan’s appeals. The Chief Justice questioned whether final observations could be made in a bail case and directed the prosecution department to prepare arguments on legal points.
The court adjourned the matter until August 19, instructing both Khan’s legal team and the prosecution to assist the bench on identified legal issues. The Chief Justice clarified that the Supreme Court would not pass any order that could affect other cases involving the PTI founder.
This hearing marks another key development in the ongoing legal challenges confronting Imran Khan, who continues to face multiple cases across the country.
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