PTI leader Hammad Azhar sent on 20-day physical remand

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Monday granted a 20-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar in a May 9-related case.

ATC Judge Malik Abid Hussain announced the decision after hearing the police’s request for Azhar’s physical remand.

Azhar was produced before the Lahore ATC earlier on Monday after Lahore police formally arrested him in connection with 18 cases registered in the city.

According to the Investigation Police spokesperson, Azhar had been declared a proclaimed offender and had remained in hiding for around three years.

The spokesperson said police would obtain Azhar’s physical remand from the competent court to proceed with the investigation.

After completing the investigation, police would submit the challan before the ATC, the spokesperson added.

During the court proceedings, the judge directed media persons and other unrelated individuals to leave the courtroom.

“Only lawyers and the investigating officer should remain in the courtroom,” the judge directed, adding that media representatives would be called back once the formal proceedings began.

Azhar’s formal arrest was made in connection with 18 cases registered over the violence that erupted on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

The protests involved attacks on and vandalism of public and military installations in several parts of the country. Azhar had remained wanted in the cases and was subsequently declared a proclaimed offender, according to police.

Azhar was formally arrested by Lahore police earlier on Monday in connection with 18 cases, according to the Investigation Police spokesperson.

Police said that Azhar had remained in hiding for around three years and would be produced before the competent court to seek his physical remand. After completion of the investigation, the challan would be submitted before the anti-terrorism court.

Azhar’s formal arrest comes in connection with cases registered over the May 9, 2023 violence, when protests erupted across the country following the arrest of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

Arrest followed uncertainty over his whereabouts

Police sources had earlier reported that Azhar was arrested in Multan and subsequently handed over to Lahore police.

The arrest was initially not officially confirmed, with police officials in Multan and Lahore saying they had no information about his detention.

The PTI, meanwhile, maintained that the former federal minister had been taken into custody in connection with a May 9 case.

Menawhile, Azhar’s mother, Ishrat Azhar, on Monday approached the Lahore High Court seeking his recovery.

In a habeas corpus petition filed through Barrister Abuzar Salman Niazi, she alleged that her son had been arrested but that the family had not been informed about his whereabouts.

The petition named the Punjab inspector general of police, Lahore Capital City Police Officer, Lahore Deputy Inspector General (Operations) and the RA Bazaar SHO as respondents.

It asked the high court to order the authorities to produce Azhar before the court or a competent judicial forum and disclose the legal basis for his arrest and detention. It also sought access to legal counsel and communication between Azhar and his family.

Wanted in 18 cases

The Investigation Police spokesperson said Azhar was wanted by Lahore police in 18 cases.

One of the cases concerns an alleged attack on the gate of the Government Officers’ Residences (GOR-I) in Lahore on May 9.

The cases stem from the unrest that followed Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023.

Protesters attacked and damaged several government and military installations in different cities during the violence.

Authorities subsequently launched a nationwide crackdown on PTI leaders, workers and supporters accused of involvement in the unrest.

The PTI has repeatedly rejected the allegations against its leaders and workers, describing the cases as politically motivated. Authorities have maintained that those responsible for attacks, vandalism and damage to public and state property must face legal proceedings.

Three years in hiding

Azhar went into hiding following the May 9 unrest and remained largely out of public view.

He briefly appeared in public in July 2025 following the death of his father, former Punjab governor Mian Muhammad Azhar, but later went underground again.

His prolonged absence from public life made him one of the most prominent PTI leaders wanted in connection with the May 9 cases.

With his formal arrest now recorded, police are expected to produce him before the court to seek physical remand and proceed with the investigation.

Who is Hammad Azhar?

Hammad Azhar is a senior PTI leader who served as a federal minister during Imran Khan’s government.

He initially served as minister for economic affairs before being appointed minister for industries and production in April 2020.

He presented Pakistan’s federal budgets for 2019-20 and 2020-21 in the National Assembly.

Azhar later served as PTI Punjab president and subsequently as the party’s acting provincial president. He eventually stepped down from the organisational position, citing internal differences and pressure.

He remained a prominent supporter of Imran Khan after the PTI government was removed from power in April 2022 and became one of the party’s leading figures facing legal cases following the May 9 violence.

His formal arrest is now expected to be followed by court proceedings over physical remand and further investigation into the 18 cases registered against him.