An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Monday handed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Hammad Azhar over to police on a 20-day physical remand.
Former federal minister was produced before the court shortly after Lahore police formally confirmed his arrest.
His mother had meanwhile moved the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking his recovery, a day after reports emerged that he had been detained in Multan.
According to a Lahore police spokesperson, Azhar was wanted in 18 cases registered by Lahore police and had been absconding for around three years.
He said investigation officials arrested the PTI leader and would present him before the court to obtain physical remand. Police would submit a charge sheet before the ATC after completing the investigation, he added.
Earlier, Azhar’s mother filed a petition before the LHC against the Punjab inspector general of police, Lahore Capital City Police Officer and other officials.
The petition sought details of Azhar’s arrest and requested that authorities produce him before the court. It stated that the former minister had allegedly been taken into custody from Multan two days earlier but had not been presented before a judicial forum.
The petitioner also asked the court to direct authorities to formally acknowledge Azhar’s arrest, provide details of the cases registered against him and ensure his production before the court.
Police sources said Azhar was subsequently transferred to Lahore police custody after being arrested in Multan. He had been declared a proclaimed offender and was facing several cases linked to the May 9, 2023 violence.
Azhar served as a federal minister during the PTI government. In August 2024, he stepped down as president of the party’s Punjab chapter, citing difficulties in accessing jailed PTI founder Imran Khan and restrictions on his movement.
He had remained out of public view after being booked in multiple cases related to the May 9 unrest.
PTI’s Hammad Azhar Arrested in Multan, Handed Over to Lahore Police
