ATC Extends Hammad Azhar’s Physical Remand by Seven Days

Overview

• An anti‑terrorism court extended PTI leader Hammad Azhar’s physical remand for seven days on Monday to allow investigators to search for and seize his mobile phone and SIM card.
• Prosecutors told the court the phone and SIM are important pieces of evidence in the probe of the May 9, 2023 attack on Jinnah House and asked for further time to recover them.
• Azhar opposed the extension, saying he had already been held on a 21‑day remand and complained he was not present at the alleged occurrence; he also raised earlier limits on meetings with lawyers and family.
• The Lahore High Court disposed of a petition by Azhar’s mother and wife alleging denial of access after a Punjab government lawyer said family visits had been allowed and court‑side meetings would occur.
• The case traces to the May 9, 2023 protests that led to charges of attacking the corps commander’s residence, and Azhar has previously been declared a proclaimed offender and reappeared publicly in May 2024.