By ABDULLAH 
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has reconstituted the bench hearing bail petitions of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eight cases related to the May 9 riots.
According to details, Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb has been replaced by Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi. The newly changed three-member bench is now led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, alongside Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shafi Siddiqui.
The bench was scheduled to resume hearings today at 10:30 am, marking the third attempt to proceed with the matter after two earlier adjournments.
The change in bench comes after repeated delays in proceedings. On Wednesday, the hearing was postponed when Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi fell ill due to food poisoning.
The prosecution had requested an adjournment until next week, but Chief Justice Afridi rejected the plea, stressing that the case must move forward without further delays.
The court also dismissed a request from Imran Khan’s sisters, who wanted to present their views before the bench. The Chief Justice clarified that only legal representatives would be allowed to argue.
Initially, the three-member panel comprised Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Shafi Siddiqui, and Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb. They were set to hear Imran Khan’s appeals against the Lahore High Court’s decision in the eight May 9 cases.
However, due to the sudden illness of the prosecution’s lawyer, arguments could not take place, leading to yet another adjournment.
The reconstituted bench will now hear Imran Khan’s bail petitions today. The Supreme Court has shown urgency in moving forward with these long-delayed proceedings, which are part of the broader legal challenges Imran Khan faces after the May 9 incidents.
The outcome of these bail cases is seen as critical, with potential implications for Imran Khan’s political future and ongoing legal battles.