Supreme Court Grants Bail to PTI Founder in May 9 Cases

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has approved bail requests filed by the PTI founder in cases linked to the May 9 incidents. The court also declared the earlier ruling of the Lahore High Court null and void.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi asked prosecutors what evidence, apart from oral and electronic records, was available against the accused. Justice Shafi Siddiqui also questioned the exact date of the FIR filed in the case.

The prosecutor replied that the FIR was registered on May 9. He added that out of ten cases, the accused was named in three. He further said that the police had sought approval for voice matching, photogrammetric, and polygraphic tests from a magistrate.

The prosecutor argued that although the court had permitted the tests, the accused did not undergo them. Chief Justice Afridi noted that if this was the case, then legal consequences would follow. However, he questioned why the prosecution was insisting so strongly on these tests.

Justice Hasan Rizvi highlighted that the accused remained on bail for two months after the incident. He questioned whether this period was not enough for police to complete their investigation. The judges reminded the prosecution that evidence must be proven before the trial court, not only at this stage.

Finally, the Supreme Court ruled that the Lahore High Court decision was void. Chief Justice Afridi called both sides’ lawyers to his chamber to finalise the written order, which would be announced in their presence.