Hammad Azhar was arrested in the May 9 case

Lahore: The matter has reached the courts after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar. The anti-terrorism court has handed him over to the police in the Jinnah House attack case related to the May 9 incidents and granted him a 21-day physical remand, while on the same day his mother filed a petition in the Lahore High Court for the recovery of her son.

Hammad Azhar was transferred to Lahore after being detained from Multan. The police presented him before the anti-terrorism court under tight security. The case was heard by Judge Sardar Muhammad Akram. The police had sought physical remand for further investigation and alleged evidence, on which the court granted a 21-day remand after hearing arguments.

According to the investigating authorities, Hammad Azhar needs to be questioned about his alleged role in the case. The police had sought his custody for further investigation, examination of evidence and other legal proceedings. On the other hand, the defence counsel opposed physical remand and raised questions on the legal and investigative aspects of the case

After the news of Hammad Azhar’s arrest emerged, his mother Ishrat Azhar approached the Lahore High Court. The petition made the IG Punjab, CCPO Lahore and other concerned police officers as respondents. The petition argued that Hammad Azhar was detained in Multan two days ago and his family was not informed about his legal status and whereabouts.

The petition requested the court to clarify the legal basis for Hammad Azhar’s arrest and detention and to produce him before the relevant court. The record of the cases registered against him was also requested to be presented in the court. The mother also requested to provide legal advice and communication facilities to the family.

This development comes at a time when Hammad Azhar has been wanted by the police in several cases related to the incidents of May 9, 2023. According to the police, he had not been investigated in the cases for a long time, while reports have also been coming out that he has been declared a fugitive by various anti-terrorism courts.

PTI has accused Hammad Azhar’s arrest of political vendetta. However, the legal status of the cases and the charges will be decided by the proceedings in the relevant courts.