A Pakistani court has extended interim bail for former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in nine cases until January 27. The relief comes amid ongoing legal battles linked to the violent protests that erupted after Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023.
The court extended interim bail in five cases related to the May 9 violence, along with four other cases registered against the former prime minister, including charges of attempted murder and alleged submission of fake receipts. Bushra Bibi is also facing a separate case related to the Toshakhana gifts controversy.
Court Directs Imran Khan to Appear at Next Hearing
According to Dawn newspaper, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard the pre-arrest bail petitions on Tuesday. Advocate Shamsa Kayani represented Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi during the proceedings.
While extending interim bail, the court directed the 73-year-old former prime minister to ensure his presence at the next hearing, either in person or through a video link. The judge adjourned the hearing till January 27 and stressed that Khan’s appearance must be ensured on the next date.
Apart from the May 9 cases, Imran Khan is facing multiple legal proceedings across Pakistan. These include allegations of inciting violence, attempted murder, and submitting allegedly forged receipts linked to state gifts. A separate case involving fake Toshakhana receipts has also been registered against Bushra Bibi.
Bail Extension Brings No Immediate Relief
Despite the extension of interim bail, the relief is largely symbolic for Imran Khan and his wife. Both are currently serving prison sentences in other cases and remain behind bars.
Earlier, another court presided over by Additional District and Sessions Judge Chaudhary Aamir Zia also extended Bushra Bibi’s interim pre-arrest bail in a separate case registered at Islamabad’s Ramna police station. The case involves charges under laws related to unlawful assembly and public order violations. This hearing was also adjourned till January 27.
Imran Khan in Jail Since August 2023
Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023. Following his arrest on May 9 last year, violent protests broke out across Pakistan, with supporters vandalising government and military installations. Authorities held Khan responsible for instigating the unrest, leading to multiple cases against him.
The former prime minister has been facing a series of legal challenges since his removal from power in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote in parliament. Most recently, both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II corruption case.
As legal proceedings continue, January 27 is expected to be another crucial date in the former prime minister’s long-running legal battle.
