The Supreme Court of Pakistan has granted bail to PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhry and party leader Hafiz Farhat Abbas, both accused in the May 9 conspiracy case, against bonds of Rs 100,000 each.
A three-member bench, led by Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, heard the case and issued its ruling. Justice Afghan remarked that bail should not be viewed as a form of punishment.
"If the case against Ejaz Chaudhry was that strong, they would have taken him to the military court," he stated, referring to the hundreds of individuals already tried by military tribunals.
The case centered around accusations that Ejaz Chaudhry, who has been in custody since May 11, 2023, played a role in inciting the violence of May 9, which has resulted in widespread arrests of PTI members. The special prosecutor claimed that Chaudhry was not only involved in incitement but was also part of a broader conspiracy.
In his defense, Chaudhry's lawyer informed the court that his client had been in detention for nearly a year, asserting that there was insufficient evidence to justify continued imprisonment.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted bail, directing Chaudhry to submit a bond of Rs 100,000 to the trial court.
In a related development, the Supreme Court also granted pre-arrest bail to Hafiz Farhat Abbas, another PTI leader implicated in the May 9 incidents. Abbas, who had been declared a fugitive by the trial court, faced similar charges of conspiracy. The court also approved the pre-arrest bail for co-accused Imtiaz Sheikh.
During the hearing, the special prosecutor stated that Abbas was a key figure in the conspiracy, yet Justice Hashim Kakar reminded the court that Imtiaz Sheikh was also accused of the same offense. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan questioned the ongoing delay in the case, urging that the relevant court expedite the trial process.
“The investigation is complete, and the challan has been submitted. Now, what should be done to arrest him?” remarked Justice Afghan.
He further emphasized the need for the trial to conclude within the next four months, urging the judicial authorities to avoid dragging out the case unnecessarily.
