A Pakistani court on Tuesday extended the interim bail granted to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in connection with the May 9 violence cases and several other legal matters. The next hearing has been scheduled for January 27.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing of the pre-arrest bail applications. Advocate Shamsa Kayani represented the former premier and his spouse. After hearing the arguments, the court decided to adjourn the proceedings and extended the interim bail. The judge directed that Imran Khan must appear in person or via video link at the next scheduled hearing.
In a related but separate hearing, Additional District and Sessions Judge Chaudhry Amir Zia also extended the interim bail for Bushra Bibi on her pre-arrest bail plea. This hearing, too, was adjourned until January 27.
Myriad of Legal Challenges
The May 9 cases stem from the widespread violence and vandalism that erupted across Pakistan following Imran Khan's dramatic arrest in Islamabad in May 2023. His supporters allegedly attacked military and state installations.
However, the legal troubles for the former cricket star extend far beyond these incidents. Khan is embroiled in a multitude of other cases, including charges of attempted murder and the alleged submission of fake receipts. These cases have piled up since his ouster from power in April 2022.
Separate Cases Against Bushra Bibi
Bushra Bibi faces her own set of legal battles. A separate case has been registered against her concerning the alleged submission of fake receipts linked to Toshakhana gifts. Furthermore, another case was filed against her at the Ramna police station under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act along with other legal provisions.
The couple's legal woes were compounded just days ago when an accountability court sentenced both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 14 years in prison each in the Toshakhana 2 corruption case. This sentence was handed down on Saturday. Imran Khan has remained incarcerated since August 2023.
The extension of interim bail provides a temporary legal shield against arrest in these specific cases, but the couple continues to navigate a complex and challenging legal landscape with multiple serious charges pending against them.
