LHC Final Observations — Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi questioned the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) “final observations” in rejecting bail pleas of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eight May 9 riot-related cases. He paused the court from issuing any such conclusive remarks, noting that a bail hearing isn’t the stage for such definitive judgments Dawn.
A three-member Supreme Court bench, presided over by CJP Afridi alongside Justices Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, heard the appeal. Imran Khan’s counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, represented him, while Punjab’s Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi appeared for the state DawnDunya News.
When the bench was informed of LHC’s extensive findings, the Chief Justice asked, “Can final observations be given in a bail case?” and clarified that the Supreme Court would avoid making any comments that might unduly influence the merits of the pending case Dawn.
Safdar’s request to speak from the rostrum was denied, and in his concluding remarks, CJP Afridi directed the parties to prepare thoroughly for legal arguments and awaited their assistance in addressing key legal questions. The hearing was adjourned, and notices were issued to the Punjab government ahead of the next session scheduled for August 19 Dawn.
Legal Spotlight: LHC Final Observations Under Scrutiny
CJP Afridi’s challenge to the LHC’s approach in issuing what he termed “final observations” during a bail hearing highlights a broader legal principle: bail proceedings must focus strictly on whether the accused merits release pending trial—not on assessing the case’s core merits or potential guilt. This stance underscores the Supreme Court’s commitment to preserving the separation between procedural fairness and substantive judgment.
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