Lahore High Court Declares Imran Khan GUILTY in May 9 Conspiracy
On Thursday, July 4, 2025, the Lahore High Court (LHC) issued a significant ruling in one of Pakistan’s most high-profile legal cases. The court stated that former Prime Minister Imran Khan was involved in a planned conspiracy linked to the violent protests and attacks on military and government properties that occurred on May 9, 2023, following his arrest.
A two-member bench of the Lahore High Court, headed by Justice Aalia Neelum, announced the verdict after thoroughly reviewing the case. The judgment came in response to Imran Khan’s post-arrest bail plea, which the court ultimately rejected.
The court observed that:
- There was credible evidence showing Imran Khan’s involvement in the planning and encouragement of the violent events.
- Two police officers provided clear and consistent testimonies during the investigation, directly linking Khan to the conspiracy.
- The court concluded that there was sufficient material to frame charges of criminal conspiracy and abetment of violence under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
On May 9, 2023, after Imran Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), widespread protests erupted across Pakistan. The protests turned violent in several major cities, especially in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. The incidents included:
- Arson attacks on military buildings including the Corps Commander House in Lahore.
- Vandalism of public property, government offices, and monuments.
- Disruption of traffic and law and order for several days.
The state termed it an unprecedented attack on military institutions, calling it an attempt to incite mutiny and destabilize national security.
Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, is facing multiple cases related to the May 9 events. The Punjab Police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) filed numerous First Information Reports (FIRs) in different districts, accusing him of:
- Instigating violence
- Criminal conspiracy
- Aiding and abetting rioters
- Damaging state institutions
The Lahore High Court’s Thursday decision pertains specifically to one of these FIRs registered at the Sarwar Road Police Station, Lahore.
Imran Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), strongly condemned the court’s decision. In an official statement, PTI claimed that:
- The ruling is politically motivated.
- Imran Khan is being targeted to keep him out of the political process.
- There is no direct evidence proving that Khan incited the violence.
PTI also vowed to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Current Status of Imran Khan
Imran Khan remains in jail since August 2023 and is currently facing:
- Over 150 legal cases, including corruption, sedition, contempt, and terrorism charges.
- Trials under both civil and military courts for different cases arising from the May 9 incidents.
This ruling by the Lahore High Court is a major legal setback for Imran Khan and his political ambitions, particularly with general elections concluded earlier this year in 2024. If convicted under conspiracy and terrorism charges, Khan may face a lengthy prison sentence, which could disqualify him from holding public office in the future.
Final Word
The Lahore High Court’s declaration that Imran Khan was involved in the May 9 conspiracy marks a critical turning point in Pakistan’s judicial and political landscape. As the legal process continues, the case is likely to have far-reaching implications for civil-military relations, freedom of protest, and political accountability in the country.
