Court Grants 20-Day Remand of PTI’s Hammad Azhar

Lahore: (Special Reporter) – An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has granted police a 20-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar.

Hammad Azhar was produced before ATC Judge Sardar Muhammad Akram, who approved the police’s request for his physical remand and handed him over to investigators.

According to the investigation police spokesperson, Azhar was wanted in 18 cases and had remained in hiding for around three years. He was also declared a proclaimed offender, the spokesperson said.

Police said the investigation into the cases would be completed before challans are submitted to the anti-terrorism court.

Before hearing the remand request, the judge directed all unrelated individuals, including media representatives, to leave the courtroom. He said only lawyers and investigating officers could remain inside and told journalists they would be called once proceedings in the case began.

Meanwhile, Hammad Azhar’s mother had approached the Lahore High Court, challenging his alleged arrest and detention. The petition sought directions for the Punjab police chief, Lahore police chief and other authorities to produce Azhar before the court or the relevant competent forum and disclose the legal grounds for his detention.

The PTI had earlier described Azhar’s reported arrest as part of what it called political victimisation, state repression and “fascist tactics.” The party maintained that if any cases were registered against its leader, he should be presented before a court and dealt with according to law.

Speaking to reporters outside the court, Hammad Azhar’s mother’s lawyer, Abuzar Niazi, claimed that around 71 FIRs had been registered against the PTI leader. He also alleged that Azhar had been detained from Multan two days earlier and criticised authorities for not providing clear information about his production before the court.

The petition also requested the Lahore High Court to declare Azhar’s detention illegal and unjustified if it was found to be contrary to the Constitution and law.

Hammad Azhar was elected to the National Assembly from Lahore on a PTI ticket in 2018. During the Imran Khan government, he served as federal minister for Economic Affairs as well as minister for Industries and Production.

He also served as PTI Punjab president and acting president before resigning amid organisational differences and internal pressure.

Following the May 9 events, Azhar remained out of public view for several months. He reappeared in July 2025 to attend the funeral prayers of his father, former Punjab governor Mian Muhammad Azhar.