PTI leader Hammad Azhar arrested in connection with May 9 cases

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and former MNA Hammad Azhar has been arrested, police sources said on Sunday.

According to police sources, Azhar was arrested in Multan and later handed over to Lahore police. He was reportedly taken into custody near RA Bazaar from the residence of a close friend.

The police said Azhar was wanted in several cases related to the May 9, 2023 incidents, including the attack on the Governor House (GOR) gate. He had been declared a proclaimed offender over repeated non-appearance, while an anti-terrorism court had also issued his permanent arrest warrants.

Police sources said that Azhar had been named as an accused in more than 50 May 9 cases and was handed over to the investigation wing following his arrest.

Azhar had approached the Lahore and Peshawar high courts seeking protective bail. He had resigned from his party position after the cases were registered. The PTI had previously appointed him as its Punjab president.