Hammad Azhar arrested in Multan, handed over to Lahore police

Former federal minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Hammad Azhar has been arrested in Multan and handed over to Lahore police, according to police sources. Azhar was among several PTI leaders who went into hiding following the May 9, 2023 riots that erupted after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. Police sources said Azhar was wanted in multiple cases registered in connection with the May 9 incidents. The former minister had announced last year that he would surrender before the court in connection with the cases registered against him. In January 2026, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) declared seven individuals, including Hammad Azhar, proclaimed offenders in a case related to the May 9 attack on Club Chowk near GOR Gate. Gilani stresses collective responsibility for wildlife conservation ATC Administrative Judge Manzer Ali Gill issued perpetual arrest warrants for Azhar and six other accused after they repeatedly failed to appear before the court despite being given several opportunities. The other individuals declared proclaimed offenders were Zubair Khan Niazi, Akbar Khan, Masood Ahmed Subhani, Arsalan bin Basharat, Farooq Anjum and Habib Ahmed. Tags: hammadazhararrestedmultanhandedlahorepolice