LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab President Hammad Azhar has decided to voluntarily “surrender” before the court and submit a bail petition, according to media reports on Thursday.
Following consultations with his close associates and legal team, the former federal minister is expected to appear before the court shortly.
Sources confirmed that if bail is denied, Hammad Azhar is prepared to submit to arrest and face potential jail time. Azhar’s decision marks a significant turn of events as he had been in hiding for nearly two years, with his recent reappearance following the death of his father, former Punjab Governor Mian Azhar, sparking considerable political speculation.
In related legal developments, a local court in Lahore has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for PTI leader Shibli Faraz, in connection with an alleged attack on Islamabad police outside PTI founder Imran Khan’s residence in Zaman Park, Lahore. The Cantt Kacheri court has also summoned Imran Khan to appear on July 30, with summons sent to Adiala Jail authorities where he is currently detained.
Judicial Magistrate Suhail Rafiq, presiding over the case, emphasized the importance of the accused being present in court. The next hearing is set for July 30. The case, filed by Race Course Police Station, includes allegations of assault on police officials by PTI leaders and supporters.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has extended interim bails until September 19 for several prominent PTI leaders, including Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Imran Khan’s sisters Aliya Khanum and Uzma Khanum, Senator Azam Swati, and former ministers Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry.
Asad Umar and Azam Swati marked their attendance during Friday’s court proceedings. These legal developments come amid ongoing investigations into the clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement officials.
