Maps
Magazine

LEGAL

Imran Khan Unlikely to Be Freed Before 2026 Amid Mounting Legal Delays
Barring a major legal or political breakthrough, Imran Khan may remain behind bars through 2026 as appeals in the Al-Qadir Trust and other cases face long delays.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-10-25
Imran Khan Unlikely to Be Freed Before 2026 Amid Mounting Legal Delays

Barring an unexpected court ruling or political deal, former prime minister Imran Khan is unlikely to be released from prison anytime soon, with legal experts and party insiders suggesting his imprisonment could extend well into 2026 — and possibly beyond.

According to sources within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the sheer complexity and volume of ongoing cases against Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi make an early release improbable. Despite growing concern within PTI ranks, particularly among moderates urging reconciliation, hardliners remain committed to a confrontational stance that analysts say may further complicate efforts to secure his freedom.

The couple’s appeals against their 14-year sentences in the Al-Qadir Trust case have yet to be fixed for hearing in the Islamabad High Court. Before the main appeal can be heard, the court must first decide on their application for suspension of sentence — a step that has not yet been scheduled.

Under the High Court’s fixation policy, cases are heard in the order they were filed, with priority given to older and more serious cases such as those involving life imprisonment or the death penalty. Since the Al-Qadir Trust appeal was filed on January 31, 2024, and no hearing has been listed, insiders say the chances of it being taken up this year are slim.

Legal observers note that the backlog of pending cases at the High Court could delay proceedings well into 2026. Meanwhile, the Toshakhana II case is reaching its final phase, and any conviction there would further extend Khan and Bushra Bibi’s jail time.

Adding to his legal troubles, several cases linked to the May 9 violence remain unresolved. PTI’s legal team fears that the prosecution could use procedural mechanisms to prolong the trials, delaying potential acquittals or bail hearings even further.

Party insiders also acknowledge that political divisions within PTI — especially between those advocating dialogue and those pushing confrontation — have hurt Khan’s chances of relief. “Until this internal rift and confrontational strategy end, the leadership doesn’t expect the courts to offer any leniency,” one senior PTI source said.

Given the existing pace of judicial proceedings and absence of political negotiation, legal experts estimate that even in the best-case scenario, it could take well over a year for Khan’s major appeals to reach conclusion.

For now, all signs point to a prolonged incarceration — unless a “miracle, a deal, or an extraordinary judicial development” alters the trajectory.
Tagged:

PTI

ImranKhan

ToshaKhanaCase

BushraBibi

AlQadirTrust
Share News: