Lahore ATC extends physical remand of PTI's Hammad Azhar for 7 days in Jinnah House attack case

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has extended the physical remand of PTI leader Hammad Azhar for another week in connection with the 2023 Jinnah House attack case, according to a report on Monday. The incident took place during protests on May 9, 2023, where several PTI leaders and workers were accused of attacking and vandalizing the residence of the corps commander.

On Monday, police presented Azhar before ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill following the completion of his initial 21-day physical remand. The prosecution requested additional remand to retrieve Azhar's mobile phone and SIM card, stating these items as crucial pieces of evidence. Azhar questioned the need for further remand, arguing that his 21-day detention was already severe.

He also raised concerns about the denial of access to his lawyers and family members, a matter previously raised by his relatives in court. The ATC will now decide on the police's request for further remand. Separately, a Lahore High Court (LHC) bench ruled in favor of Azhar's mother and wife, allowing them to meet him during police custody after they had previously filed a petition against this restriction.

The LHC dismissed a similar petition filed by the family earlier, directing them to address their concerns with the police. Azhar was arrested on September 5, 2023, but his mother claimed police were unaware of his arrest until the following day, leading to his appearance before an ATC the same day. Azhar, son of former Punjab Governor Mian Muhammad Azhar, has been declared a proclaimed offender by multiple anti-terrorism courts for his failure to attend proceedings in cases related to the May 9 riots.

He resurfaced in public on May 22, 2024, a year after going into hiding following the state's crackdown on the party leadership amid the May 9 violence.