PTI Senior Leader Hammad Azhar Arrested in Multan

Web Desk

MULTAN: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar has been arrested in Multan and subsequently handed over to Lahore police.

According to media reports, the arrest comes in connection with multiple cases reportedly registered against Azhar over the incidents of May 9, 2023, following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.

Azhar had remained out of public view since the May 9 incidents, with police maintaining that he was wanted in several cases linked to the unrest. PTI leader had previously announced that he intended to appear before the court and face the cases registered against him.

In January 2026, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore declared Hammad Azhar and six other suspects proclaimed offenders in a case concerning the alleged attack on Club Chowk near GOR Gate during the May 9 unrest.

ATC Administrative Judge Manzer Ali Gill subsequently issued perpetual arrest warrants after Azhar and the other accused repeatedly failed to appear before the court despite being provided multiple opportunities.

The other individuals declared proclaimed offenders in the case include Zubair Khan Niazi, Akbar Khan, Masood Ahmed Subhani, Arsalan bin Basharat, Farooq Anjum, and Habib Ahmed.