PTI leader Hammad Azhar arrested in Multan over May 9 cases

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar has been arrested in Multan in connection with cases related to the May 9, 2023 unrest, according to police sources.

Sources said Azhar was taken into custody in Multan on Sunday. He was subsequently handed over to Lahore police for further legal proceedings.

The former National Assembly member faces several cases linked to the violent protests that erupted across the country following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in May 2023.

Police sources said Azhar had remained wanted in connection with the cases and had been declared a proclaimed offender.

Azhar was a prominent figure in the PTI leadership. He served as the party’s Punjab president before stepping down from the position in August 2024.

He had also served as federal finance minister during the PTI government.

While resigning from the Punjab presidency, Azhar cited difficulties in accessing the incarcerated PTI founder and restrictions on his own movements.

Following the registration of cases against him over the May 9 incidents, Azhar remained out of public view for an extended period.

The May 9 violence began after Imran Khan was arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court in connection with a corruption case.

The arrest triggered protests by PTI supporters in several cities.

Demonstrators targeted public and government property. Several military installations and sensitive locations were also attacked.

In Lahore, protesters entered and damaged the Corps Commander’s residence. Other military and civilian installations were also targeted during the unrest.

The General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was among the military sites targeted by protesters.

The May 9 cases have since remained a major legal and political issue involving PTI leaders and supporters.

Azhar’s arrest is expected to lead to further proceedings in the cases registered against him.

Further details regarding the specific charges and the next stage of the legal process were not immediately available.