The Supreme Court (SC) has reconstituted the bench hearing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan’s bail pleas in eight May 9 cases. According to details, Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb has been replaced by Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi. The three-member bench is now headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and also includes Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shafi Siddiqui.

The bench will resume hearing Khan’s bail petitions today. This marks the third attempt to proceed with the case after it was twice adjourned without any progress.On Wednesday, Chief Justice Afridi postponed the hearing of the May 9 bail cases when Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi fell ill due to food poisoning. 

Earlier, a three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Afridi, Justice Shafi Siddiqui, and Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb was set to hear Khan’s petitions challenging the Lahore High Court’s decision in the eight cases. However, the prosecution’s lawyer informed the court that Naqvi could not appear due to illness. 

While the prosecution requested an adjournment until next week, the Chief Justice rejected the plea and directed that the case would be heard the following day. The court also denied a request by Khan’s sisters to present their views before the bench.The Supreme Court then formally adjourned the matter until Thursday at 10:30 am, with the newly constituted bench now scheduled to hear the bail proceedings.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)