PTI claims Hammad Azhar arrested in Punjab

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has claimed that its leader Hammad Azhar has been arrested in Punjab, describing the action as "political vengeance." Police officials, however, stated they were unaware of his arrest. According to sources, Azhar was taken into custody in Multan in relation to the May 9, 2023 riots. Multan Regional Police Officer Usman Akram Gondal confirmed he had no information on the arrest.

The Lahore Investigation SSP Muhammad Naveed also stated he had no confirmation about Azhar's arrest or handover to Lahore police.

The PTI denounced the arrest, calling it the "worst example of political vengeance and fascism" and demanding that Azhar be immediately presented in court if there is a criminal case against him. The party also demanded that his fundamental and legal rights be ensured and that the "series of political vengeance" be halted. PTI alleged that Azhar is being targeted on political grounds and that the government is recklessly using state power to suppress political opponents and silence PTI voices.

Former opposition leader Omar Ayub claimed on X that Azhar has been arrested, urging to "strongly condemn this act" and alleging that the move aims to thwart the party's planned march on September 27. Moonis Elahi, son of PTI President Parvez Elahi, stated that Azhar had been arrested in "various false cases." Azhar had stepped down as the president of the party's Punjab chapter for the third time in April 2025, following previous resignations that were rejected.

He reappeared in public on May 22, 2024, after evading arrest by the Counter-Terrorism Department following the violent incidents of May 9.