LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Hamad Azhar has been formally arrested by Lahore Police in 18 cases linked to the May 9, 2023 riots, a day after he was taken into custody in Multan.
Azhar was arrested in Multan two days ago and was subsequently handed over to Lahore Police. Although police sources had confirmed his detention, his formal arrest had not initially been recorded.
Lahore Police have now formally arrested the PTI leader in connection with the cases registered against him in Lahore. A police spokesperson said Azhar had been wanted in 18 cases and had remained in hiding for nearly three years.
The development came after Azhar's mother approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking his recovery.
In her petition, the Punjab Inspector General of Police, Lahore Capital City Police Officer and other officials were named as respondents. She requested the court to direct authorities to disclose Azhar's arrest, provide details of the cases registered against him and produce him before the court.
According to the petition, the former federal minister had been taken into custody from Multan but had not been presented before a court.
Police sources said Azhar, who had been declared a proclaimed offender, was wanted in several cases registered in connection with the May 9 riots.
Following his formal arrest, investigation police are expected to produce Azhar before a court to seek his physical remand. Police officials said that after completing the investigation, a challan will be submitted to the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).