LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Monday granted a 20-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar in a May 9-related case.

ATC Judge Malik Abid Hussain announced the decision after hearing the police request for Azhar’s physical remand.

Azhar was produced before the Lahore ATC after Lahore police formally arrested him in connection with 18 cases registered in the city.

According to the Investigation Police spokesperson, Azhar had been declared a proclaimed offender and had remained in hiding for around three years.

The spokesperson said police would obtain his physical remand to proceed with the investigation and, after completing the investigation, submit the challan before the ATC.

During the proceedings, the judge directed media persons and other unrelated individuals to leave the courtroom.

“Only lawyers and the investigating officer should remain in the courtroom,” the judge directed, adding that media representatives would be called back once the formal proceedings began.

Azhar’s arrest relates to cases registered over the violence that erupted on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

The protests saw attacks on and vandalism of public and military installations in several parts of the country. Hammad Azhar had remained wanted in the cases and was subsequently declared a proclaimed offender, according to police.

Arrest followed uncertainty over whereabouts

Police sources had earlier reported that Azhar was arrested in Multan and subsequently handed over to Lahore police.

The arrest was initially not officially confirmed, with police officials in Multan and Lahore saying they had no information about his detention.

The PTI, meanwhile, maintained that the former federal minister had been taken into custody in connection with a May 9 case.

Meanwhile, Azhar’s mother, Ishrat Azhar, approached the Lahore High Court on Monday seeking his recovery.

In a habeas corpus petition filed through Barrister Abuzar Salman Niazi, she alleged that her son had been arrested but that the family had not been informed about his whereabouts.

The petition named the Punjab inspector general of police, Lahore Capital City Police Officer, Lahore Deputy Inspector General (Operations) and the RA Bazaar SHO as respondents.

It asked the high court to direct the authorities to produce Azhar before the court or a competent judicial forum and disclose the legal basis for his arrest and detention. It also sought access to legal counsel and communication between Azhar and his family.

Wanted in 18 cases

The Investigation Police spokesperson said Azhar was wanted by Lahore police in 18 cases.

One of the cases concerns an alleged attack on the gate of the Government Officers’ Residences (GOR-I) in Lahore on May 9.

The cases stem from the unrest that followed Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023.

Protesters attacked and damaged several government and military installations in different cities during the violence.

Authorities subsequently launched a nationwide crackdown on PTI leaders, workers and supporters accused of involvement in the unrest.

The PTI has repeatedly rejected the allegations against its leaders and workers, describing the cases as politically motivated. Authorities have maintained that those responsible for attacks, vandalism and damage to public and state property must face legal proceedings.

Three years in hiding

Azhar went into hiding following the May 9 unrest and remained largely out of public view.

He briefly appeared in public in July 2025 following the death of his father, former Punjab governor Mian Muhammad Azhar, but later went underground again.

His prolonged absence from public life made him one of the most prominent PTI leaders wanted in connection with the May 9 cases.

With his formal arrest now recorded, police are expected to proceed with the investigation during the 20-day physical remand granted by the ATC.

Who is Hammad Azhar?

Hammad Azhar is a senior PTI leader who served as a federal minister during Imran Khan’s government.

He initially served as minister for economic affairs before being appointed minister for industries and production in April 2020.

He presented Pakistan’s federal budgets for 2019-20 and 2020-21 in the National Assembly.

Azhar later served as PTI Punjab president and subsequently as the party’s acting provincial president. He eventually stepped down from the organisational position, citing internal differences and pressure.

He remained a prominent supporter of Imran Khan after the PTI government was removed from power in April 2022 and became one of the party’s leading figures facing legal cases following the May 9 violence.

His formal arrest is now expected to be followed by further court proceedings and investigation into the 18 cases registered against him.