Hammad Azhar’s physical remand extended by seven days in Jinnah House attack case

LAHORE, Sep 28 (APP): An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday extended by seven days the physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Hammad Azhar in the case pertaining to the attack on Jinnah House.

Police produced Hammad Azhar before the ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill after the completion of his previous physical remand. The prosecution sought a further 14-day remand, arguing that police needed to recover his mobile phone and SIM card, which were described as important pieces of evidence in the case.

However, Hammad Azhar opposed the request, saying he had already been given a 21-day physical remand.

The court, however, granted the prosecution’s request and extended his physical remand by seven days.

Sarwar Road police had registered the case against PTI leaders and workers on charges of attacking Jinnah House, the official residence of the Lahore corps commander, during the May 9 riots.

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court on Monday disposed of a petition filed by Hammad Azhar’s mother and wife against denial of meeting to him during police custody after the Punjab government informed the court that he had already been allowed to meet his mother and wife.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi heard the petition which challenged the denial of meetings between Hammad Azhar and his family members and legal counsel. His mother, Ishrat Azhar, and wife, Maryam Hammad, had approached the high court seeking permission to meet him.

During the hearing, a prosecutor informed the court that Hammad Azhar had already been allowed to meet his mother and wife.

He further said that Hammad Azhar would be produced before the ATC on Monday after completion of his physical remand, where his lawyers could meet him and obtain his signatures on the power of attorney.

In the light of statement by the prosecutor, the bench disposed of the petition.