PTI leader Hammad Azhar arrested in Multan over May 9 cases

Hammad Azhar, a leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and former National Assembly member, has been arrested in Multan and handed over to Lahore police for further proceedings, police sources told The Express Tribune.

The sources said officers detained Azhar near the RA Bazaar area after finding him at the home of a close friend. He was then transferred to the investigation wing.

Azhar is wanted in several cases related to the May 9 events, including a case involving an attack on the gate of the Government Officers’ Residence in Lahore. Police said an anti-terrorism court had declared him a proclaimed offender because he failed to appear and had issued permanent arrest warrants. They also said he was a nominated accused in more than 50 cases connected to the events.

According to the sources, Azhar had approached the Lahore and Peshawar high courts for protective bail. He resigned from his party position after the cases were registered, although PTI had assigned him to lead the party’s Punjab chapter.

The cases stem from violence that followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Islamabad High Court on May 9, 2023, in a corruption case. Thousands of people protested across Pakistan, and mobs attacked and set fire to government property and installations belonging to the armed forces.