Hammad Azhar's arrest yet to be filed: Police

PTI leader Hammad Azhar has been taken into custody, with police launching an investigation into dozens of cases registered against him in connection with the May 9 incidents. Police said Azhar had not been formally arrested in the cases initially, but documents related to his arrest are now being prepared for presentation before the court. Officials said his arrest is likely to be filed in the Jinnah House attack case. According to police officials, Hammad Azhar was taken into custody from Multan two days ago and is now being investigated. Police said the investigation had not been possible for a long time because Azhar had not been available to investigators, preventing his formal arrest in the cases. Officials said Azhar had previously been declared a wanted person and several raids were conducted to apprehend him. With the PTI leader now in custody, police said the investigation has begun and he will be produced before the court after a challan is issued soon. PTI leader wanted in 48 cases Police said Hammad Azhar was wanted in 48 cases, many of them related to the May 9 incidents. Of these, 17 cases were registered under terrorism provisions, according to police. Officials said Azhar is wanted by police in several cities, including Lahore. He was also declared a wanted person by the court despite, according to the police account, not having been investigated in the cases for a prolonged period. Despite being wanted by authorities, Azhar had continued to address political rallies. Also Read: PTI leader Hammad Azhar arrested in Lahore According to police, Azhar is a central accused in the Jinnah House attack case, in which several other suspects have also been nominated. Officials said the legality and status of the cases registered against the PTI leader are being reviewed as the investigation proceeds. Police added that documents concerning his arrest will be completed and presented before the relevant court. Azhar's mother approaches Lahore High Court Meanwhile, Hammad Azhar's mother has approached the Lahore High Court seeking his recovery. The petition names the Punjab inspector general of police, Lahore capital city police officer, and other authorities as respondents. The petition was filed through Barrister Sulaiman Khan Niazi. The petitioner's lawyer told the court that Hammad Azhar had been taken into custody from Multan two days earlier but had not yet been produced before any court. The petitioner has asked the Lahore High Court to direct the relevant authorities to disclose Hammad Azhar's arrest in accordance with the law. She has also requested an order for his recovery and production before the court. The petition further seeks the provision of records relating to the cases registered against the PTI leader. The legal challenge comes as police maintain that the investigation is now underway and that the required arrest documents will be submitted before the court.