Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab President Hammad Azhar has decided to voluntarily 'surrender' before the court and file a bail petition. According to media reports, the former federal minister has concluded key consultations with his close associates and legal team to appear before the court shortly. Sources added that if bail is denied after his expected surrender, Hammad Azhar is prepared to submit to arrest and face jail time. 

Hammad Azhar had been in hiding for nearly two years and resurfaced only recently following the death of his father, veteran politician and former Punjab Governor Mian Azhar. His unexpected reappearance has sparked renewed speculation in political circles. A local court in Lahore has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for PTI leader Shibli Faraz in a case related to an alleged attack on Islamabad police outside the residence of PTI founder Imran Khan in Zaman Park in Lahore. 

The Cantt Kacheri court has also summoned the PTI founder to appear before the court on July 30. To ensure his appearance, summons have been sent to the Adiala Jail authorities where he is currently detained. Judicial Magistrate Suhail Rafiq heard the case and stressed the importance of the accused being present in court. The next hearing of the case is also scheduled for July 30. 

The case was filed by Race Course Police Station and includes allegations that the PTI founder and other party leaders were involved in an assault on police officials outside his residence. The court’s directive follows ongoing legal proceedings involving several PTI leaders, as authorities continue to investigate the events that led to clashes between party supporters and law enforcement.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has extended interim bails until September 19 for several top PTI leaders, including Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Aliya Khanum and Uzma Khanum (sisters of the PTI founder Imran Khan), Senator Azam Swati, and former ministers Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry. As per the channel report, Asad Umar and Azam Swati were present in court to mark their attendance during the Friday proceedings.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)