SC takes up Imran Khan's bail appeal in May 9 cases; issues notice to Punjab 

In the May 9 cases, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Punjab government in the bail case of PTI founder Imran Khan, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Tuesday. 

According to the report, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi heard the appeals against the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision in eight of the May 9 cases. 

The bench also included Justice Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb. Special Prosecutor Punjab Zulfiqar Naqvi and PTI founder’s counsel Salman Safdar appeared before the court.

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi questioned the LHC’s decision to dismiss the bail pleas, noting that the high court had given findings in its judgment. 

He asked whether final observations could be made in a bail case and how merits were brought into discussion in such matters. 

The Chief Justice remarked that the Supreme Court would not, for now, address the correctness of the findings in the Lahore High Court’s ruling. 

He added that touching the legal findings at this stage could potentially affect the case for one of the parties and directed both sides’ lawyers to assist the court on legal questions.

Chief Justice Afridi further stated that the SC would not give any finding that could prejudice any party’s case and instructed lawyers to prepare on legal matters for the next hearing. 

During the hearing, Salman Safdar sought permission to speak, but the Chief Justice did not allow him to address the bench. The court issued a notice to the Punjab government and adjourned the hearing until August 19.

Later, speaking to the media outside the SC, Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan said that the appeal in the Al-Qadir case is not being heard in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and that Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar has not taken up their appeal. 

She expressed relief that the SC had scheduled a hearing for August 19, adding that false testimonies had been used to register FIRs. She said she prayed that the judges would have the courage to deliver justice.

In addition, while talking to the media outside the Supreme Court, the lawyer of the founder of PTI, Salman Safdar, said that this case should not have been brought to the SC in the bail case; we should have gotten relief in the LHC itself.

Salman Safdar said that it is clear that these are political cases and political revenge is being taken against the founder of the PTI, Imran Khan.

Reporter: Amanat Gashkori