ISLAMABAD:
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan urged Chief Justice Yahya Afridi on Tuesday to intervene in the ongoing May 9 trials, alleging constitutional and procedural violations against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders.
In a letter dated July 27, 2025, Ayub called the trials ‘politically motivated’ and accused anti-terrorism courts of rushing proceedings at odd hours, denying fair trial rights and legal counsel of choice.
He further claimed that the hearings often continued from early morning until 3:00 am., undermining judicial transparency and exhausting defendants and lawyers alike.
The opposition leader also alleged that FIRs were fabricated, interrogation was coercive, and PTI leaders were selectively targeted. He also criticised the denial of media access and the exclusion of family members from the courtroom.
Quoting constitutional provisions and Supreme Court precedents, he urged the court to review trial conduct, restore open access, and halt sessions beyond reasonable hours.
Ayub also requested a judicial inquiry into prosecutorial misconduct.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of bail appeals filed by former prime minister Imran Khan until 12 August.
Read: SC adjourns Imran’s bail pleas hearing
The PTI founder had approached the apex court after the dismissal of his bail applications in the May 9 rioting cases by the Lahore High Court (LHC).
A division bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, postponed the hearing on account of general adjournment of Imran’s counsel, Salman Safdar.
Advocate Salman Akram Raja appeared before the bench and requested the court to reschedule the hearing for next week and issue notices to the respondents.
