Lahore court hands over PTI's Hammad Azhar to police for 20 days

An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has remanded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Hammad Azhar in police custody for 20 days.

The police presented the former federal minister before the court. He was reportedly detained in Multan and later brought to Lahore following his arrest.

Earlier, Lahore police said that Azhar was required in 18 cases and had remained absconding for around three years. The police spokesperson said that the investigation team arrested him and would seek his physical remand for further questioning.

The police said that a charge sheet would be submitted to the anti-terrorism court after the investigation is completed.

Meanwhile, Azhar’s mother approached the Lahore High Court seeking his recovery and asking authorities to disclose the circumstances of his arrest.

The petition named the Punjab inspector general of police, Lahore capital city police officer and other officials as respondents. It sought details of the cases registered against Azhar and an order directing authorities to produce him before the court.

According to the petition, Azhar was taken into custody from Multan two days earlier but had not been presented before a court.

Police sources said Azhar, who has been declared a proclaimed offender, was handed over to Lahore police after his arrest in Multan. He is accused of involvement in several cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots.