Hammad Azhar Reportedly Arrested in Multan Over May 9 Cases

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar has reportedly been taken into custody in Multan in connection with cases stemming from the May 9, 2023 unrest, placing one of the party's senior figures back at the centre of a long-running legal and political confrontation. Police sources said Azhar was detained in Multan and subsequently transferred to Lahore police for further proceedings.

Azhar faces multiple cases connected with the violence that followed the arrest of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan on May 9, 2023. Demonstrations spread across Pakistan that day, and several civilian and military properties were attacked or damaged. The cases arising from those events have continued to involve numerous PTI leaders, workers and supporters more than three years later.

According to police sources, Azhar had remained wanted in connection with several May 9 cases and had previously been declared a proclaimed offender. An anti-terrorism court in Lahore had also issued perpetual arrest warrants against Azhar and several other accused after repeated non-appearance in proceedings linked to the attack near the Government Officers' Residence gate.

The circumstances surrounding the reported arrest, however, were not immediately accompanied by uniform confirmation from senior police officials. Multan Regional Police Officer Usman Akram Gondal was quoted as saying he had no information about Azhar's arrest, while Lahore Investigation SSP Muhammad Naveed said he had no confirmation that Azhar had been detained or handed over to Lahore police. The differing accounts mean formal confirmation from the relevant investigating authorities remains important as the case develops.

PTI publicly condemned the reported detention and portrayed it as part of what the party says is a continuing campaign of politically motivated action against its leadership. The party demanded that Azhar be produced before a court if authorities were holding him in a criminal case and called for his legal and constitutional rights to be protected. Former opposition leader Omar Ayub also criticised the reported arrest and linked it to political pressure on PTI ahead of its planned mobilisation later in September.

Azhar previously served in the federal cabinet during the PTI government, including as finance minister, and later headed the party's Punjab organisation. He stepped down as PTI Punjab president in August 2024, citing difficulties in maintaining contact with the imprisoned Imran Khan and restrictions affecting his political activities. He had remained away from public view for extended periods while facing cases associated with the May 9 unrest.

The development carries wider political significance because legal proceedings connected with May 9 remain a major point of conflict between PTI and the authorities. The party has repeatedly alleged political victimisation, while prosecutors and law-enforcement agencies have continued proceedings against people accused of involvement in attacks on state and military installations. Azhar's case could therefore become another flashpoint as PTI prepares for further political activity and demonstrations.

The immediate next step is expected to be clarification of Azhar's custody status and, if the reported arrest is formally confirmed, his production before the relevant court for remand or other legal proceedings. Authorities would also be expected to identify the specific cases in which he is being held. Any bail applications, remand orders or formal statements from police and PTI leadership are likely to shape the next phase of the case.