Lahore: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday dismissed bail petitions filed by PTI founder Imran Khan in eight cases related to the May 9, 2023, riots, sparking strong condemnation from the party.
A two-member bench led by Justice Shahbaz Ali Rizvi ruled against Khan after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence. Khan’s legal team argued he was falsely implicated while in custody and had no role in the unrest, which followed his arrest in a corruption case.
Prosecutors alleged Khan incited attacks on military sites, including Lahore’s Jinnah House, citing audio evidence he allegedly refused to verify.
PTI claimed the cases are politically motivated, calling the court’s decision a “blatant miscarriage of justice.” The party accused the judiciary of bias and announced plans for legal appeals and peaceful protests.
Despite being imprisoned since August 2023, Imran remains a central figure in Pakistani politics. PTI continues to label the legal campaign against him as an attempt to sideline the party during a pivotal political period.
