Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former National Assembly member Hammad Azhar has been arrested in Multan after remaining in hiding for an extended period.
According to police sources, Azhar was detained in Multan and later handed over to Lahore Police.
The former lawmaker was reportedly wanted in several cases linked to the May 9, 2023 violence.
Police said Azhar had been declared a proclaimed offender in connection with the cases since May 9, 2023.
Hammad Azhar Wanted in May 9 Cases
The arrest brings an end to a prolonged period during which Azhar remained away from public view.
Police sources said the PTI leader was wanted in multiple cases registered following the May 9 unrest.
The cases relate to violence and other incidents reported across the country after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in May 2023.
Authorities had continued efforts to locate and arrest Azhar during this period.
Following his detention in Multan, he was transferred to Lahore Police for further legal proceedings.
Azhar Briefly Returned Home in 2025
The latest arrest follows a series of developments surrounding Azhar’s whereabouts.
Reports indicated that he returned home in July 2025 following the death of his father, former federal minister and Punjab governor Mian Muhammad Azhar.
He had reportedly remained in hiding for nearly two years before returning to his family home.
However, his return was short-lived.
According to reports at the time, Azhar disappeared again after police allegedly raided his residence.
Sources had said he went underground to avoid arrest in cases related to the May 9 violence.
Former PTI Leader Had Considered Court Appearance
Before disappearing again, Azhar had reportedly been considering voluntarily appearing before a court.
Sources said he consulted close associates and members of his legal team about appearing before the court and seeking bail.
According to those reports, Azhar was prepared to face arrest if the court rejected his bail application.
His brief return and subsequent disappearance generated renewed discussion within political circles about his legal status and possible arrest.
His detention in Multan now marks a major development in the long-running cases against him.
Police are expected to proceed with further legal action after transferring him to Lahore.
The circumstances surrounding his arrest and the next steps in the cases will likely remain a focus of political and legal attention.
