The mother of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Hammad Azhar approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday, seeking his recovery following his reported detention by police in Multan. The petition names Punjab Inspector General of Police, Lahore Capital City Police Officer, and others as respondents, requesting orders to reveal Azhar’s arrest and to produce him before the court.
The petition states that the former federal minister was taken into custody in Multan two days prior but was not presented before any judicial authority. It urges the court to compel authorities to formally acknowledge Azhar’s arrest, disclose records of any registered cases against him, and ensure his appearance before the court.
Following his arrest in Multan, Azhar was reportedly transferred to Lahore police custody. Officials indicated that the PTI leader, declared a proclaimed offender, is linked to multiple cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots. Despite being in custody, his arrest has yet to be formally registered. Police noted that Azhar remains wanted in Lahore and other cities, and that his legal status and case documentation are under review. Relevant documents will be prepared and submitted to the court accordingly.
Hammad Azhar served as a federal minister during PTI’s tenure at the Centre. In August 2024, he resigned as president of the party’s Punjab chapter, citing restricted access to jailed PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and limitations on his own movements. Azhar had been in hiding after being named in several cases arising from the May 9 riots.
These riots occurred when thousands of PTI supporters protested against the arrest of their leader Imran Khan. The demonstrations escalated into violent attacks on public property and military installations, including the Corps Commander House in Lahore. The unrest followed Khan’s detention from the Islamabad High Court premises in a graft case.
