Former Federal Minister and PTI Leader Hammad Azhar Taken Into Custody by Police
LAHORE: Former federal minister Hammad Azhar, one of the senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been arrested by law enforcement officials.
Police sources state that Azhar was booked at the point of arrest as he headed towards Multan. He was then moved back to Lahore and finally arrested from a close friend’s house at RA Bazaar area.
Riot Cases wanted in May 9
Police sources informed that Hammad Azhar was wanted in several criminal cases related to the violent protests and riots of May 9, 2023 including the attack on Lahore Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House) and the GOR Gate incident.
He had been declared a ‘proclaimed offender’ by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) for his failure to appear before a court regularly, and perpetual non-bailable arrest warrants had been issued against him.
Investigation and Legal Status
After being detained, Azhar has been transferred to the investigation wing for further proceedings in court.
In the past, lawyers for the PTI chief have taken a case before both Lahore and Peshawar High Courts for protective bail in all outstanding cases. Azhar had resigned as party president for Punjab over the multiple FIRs that were filed in the aftermath of the civil unrest in 2023.