PTI leader Hammad Azhar arrested in Lahore

Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar has been arrested by police in Lahore, according to police sources. Sources said Azhar was taken into custody from the house of a close friend near the RA Bazaar area after returning to Lahore from Multan. According to police, Azhar was travelling towards Multan when police personnel stopped him for checking. He reportedly left the area after being asked to produce documents and later returned to Lahore, where he was arrested from his friend's residence. Police sources said Azhar has been handed over to the Investigation Wing for further questioning. Wanted in May 9 cases According to police, Azhar is wanted in more than 50 cases related to the May 9, 2023 incidents, including the attack on Lahore's GOR Gate. The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) had previously declared Azhar a proclaimed offender over his repeated non-appearance, while the court also issued permanent arrest warrants for him, police sources said. Azhar had remained at large since the May 9 incidents. Protective bail pleas The PTI leader has also approached the Lahore and Peshawar high courts seeking protective bail in cases registered against him. Following the registration of cases, Azhar resigned from his party position, while PTI had previously assigned him the responsibility of serving as Punjab president.