PTI’s Hamad Azhar Arrested in May 9 Cases

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and former MNA Hamad Azhar has been arrested in connection with multiple cases related to the May 9, 2023 incidents.

According to police sources, Azhar was arrested in Multan and handed over to Lahore police. Sources said he was taken into custody near RA Bazaar from the house of a close friend.

Azhar was wanted in the May 9-related cases, including the attack on the Government Officers’ Residence (GOR) Gate. He had been declared a proclaimed offender by an anti-terrorism court for repeatedly failing to appear before it, while the court had also issued his perpetual arrest warrants.

Police sources said Azhar has been nominated as an accused in more than 50 cases related to the May 9 incidents. He has been handed over to the investigation wing for further legal proceedings.

According to sources, Azhar had approached the Lahore and Peshawar high courts seeking protective bail in connection with the cases. Azhar had remained out of public view after the cases were registered against him. He briefly appeared in public following the death of his father but later went into hiding again.

Following the registration of the cases, Azhar had resigned from his party position. The PTI had previously appointed him as its Punjab president.

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