Pakistan's Supreme Court accepts Imran Khan's bail plea: What you need to know

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bail application in the cipher case has been accepted by Pakistan’s top court, as announced by Khan’s lawyer, Naeem Panjutha, on the micro-blogging website X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday afternoon.

This development follows a previous court ruling that declared the trial in the cipher case, which was ongoing in Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, as illegal, just a day prior.

Statements from Khan’s lawyer

Naeem Panjutha, also the official legal spokesperson of Pakistan Tehreek-e- Inssaf (PTI), stated that while the bail application has been accepted and the court has issued a notice, a date for the hearing has yet to be decided.

“A decision will come in the next hearing after arguments from both sides,” Naeem shared on his X account.

سائفر کیس میں سپریم کورٹ میں ضمانت کی درخواست پر سماعت مکمل

عدالت نے نوٹس جاری کر دیے اگلی سماعت پر دونوں طرف سے دلائل کے بعد فیصلہ ہو گا،عدالت نے تاریخ مقرر نہیں کی!

— Naeem Haider Panjutha (@NaeemPanjuthaa) November 22, 2023

The Supreme Court is expected to seek input from the government regarding the application.

Khan’s urgency before general elections

• Imran Khan is seeking release from jail before Pakistan’s general elections on February 8, 2024.

• The 71-year-old leader faces a three-year jail sentence in the Toshakhana case, accused of selling state gifts during his tenure as PM.

• Since his ousting from office in April 2022, Khan has been involved in multiple legal cases.

Return of Nawaz Sharif

• Imran Khan’s potential release might influence the general elections, especially after former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan last month, ending four years of self-imposed exile.
• The elections in Pakistan are crucial due to the nation's severe economic crisis and high inflation rates.
• Sharif is expected to run for the PM post, and Khan's release could impact Sharif’s electoral prospects.

Imran Khan and the military

• Imran Khan’s strained relations with the Pakistani military, a dominant power in Pakistan, played a significant role in his removal from office.
• His disagreements, particularly with former Pakistani Army General Qamar Bajwa, reportedly led to his ousting.
• Khan’s removal also affected Western interests due to his alleged anti-America and pro-Taliban stance, although these allegations remain unproven.
• The next two months are crucial for Khan as he endeavors to secure release and run for the Prime Minister post, even though he is barred from contesting elections for six years following his conviction in the Toshakhana case.