Summary PTI leader Hammad Azhar has been formally arrested by Lahore Police in 18 cases linked to the May 9 riots.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has handed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar over to police on a 20-day physical remand in connection with the Jinnah House attack case.
ATC Judge Malik Abid Hussain heard the case. During the hearing, the prosecution told the court that Azhar had been formally arrested in the case related to the May 9 attack on Jinnah House.
Azhar’s lawyer argued that his client was in Gujranwala on May 9 and was not present at the scene of the incident. He said the court could also verify Azhar’s location through geofencing.
The prosecution maintained that Azhar had been nominated in the case and that his physical remand was required for investigation. It said police wanted to conduct a photogrammetric test and recover the mobile phone allegedly used to spread messages that incited unrest.
The prosecution further said that social media accounts allegedly used to run the campaign also needed to be recovered and examined.
Azhar’s counsel told the court that his client was willing to undergo the photogrammetric test and cooperate regarding his social media accounts. However, he argued that physical remand could not be granted merely on the basis of evidence that might emerge in the future.
The lawyer also highlighted that Azhar was a former federal minister and said it was distressing to see him brought to court in handcuffs with his face covered.
The ATC judge remarked that no one should be treated in a manner that could later become a source of embarrassment if the parties met again in life.
Hammad Azhar's arrest
Hammad Azhar was arrested in Multan a day earlier, after which he was handed over to Lahore Police. Lahore Police formally recorded his arrest in the May 9-related cases.
Azhar had reportedly remained in hiding for nearly three years and was wanted by police in several cases registered in Lahore and other cities.
Hammad Azhar's mother approaches LHC
Meanwhile, Hammad Azhar’s mother, Eshar Azhar, approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking her son’s recovery.
The petition names the Punjab Inspector General of Police and other officials as respondents. It states that Azhar was still missing and that police had not confirmed his arrest.
His mother requested the high court to order authorities to recover and produce Hammad Azhar before the court.
According to police sources, several cases were registered against Azhar in connection with the May 9 violence and subsequent incidents, and he was wanted by police in Lahore and other cities.
