A Pakistan court has extended interim bail for former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in several cases linked to unrest

Islamabad

A court extended the interim bail of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in cases related to the May 9 violence and other matters. The order was passed by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka while hearing pre-arrest bail pleas. Advocate Shamsa Kayani appeared on behalf of the couple. However, arguments could not be taken up as Imran Khan did not appear before the court.

In view of his absence, the judge adjourned the proceedings and extended the interim bail until January 27. The court directed that Imran Khan must appear on the next date either in person or through a video link. Several criminal cases have been registered against the former prime minister, including those linked to the May 9 incidents, attempted murder allegations and the submission of alleged fake receipts.

A separate case over the alleged submission of fake receipts related to Toshakhana gifts has also been filed against Bushra Bibi. In another hearing, Additional District and Sessions Judge Chaudhry Amir Zia extended her interim bail in a separate pre-arrest bail plea and fixed January 27 for the next hearing. That case was registered at Ramna police station under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act.

Meanwhile, PTI raised concerns over restricted legal access. Party lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry was again not allowed to meet Imran Khan at Adiala jail to obtain signatures needed to file an appeal in the Toshakhana-II case. PTI alleged prison authorities were deliberately blocking meetings, closing legal desks and delaying paperwork. The party said such actions violated prison rules and constitutional rights, and demanded unhindered access for legal counsel to pursue appeals lawfully.