LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) was approached seeking permission for family members and legal counsel to meet PTI leader Hammad Azhar, who is currently in police custody on physical remand in a May 9 case.

The petition was filed by Hammad’s mother Ishrat Bibi through her counsel, Abuzar Salman Niazi.

The petition said a formal request for visitation had previously been submitted to the trial court. However, the trial court disposed of the petition with no binding order on the matter, merely forwarding it to the police.

The petition stated that under the law, every accused had a fundamental right to consult with their legal team and meet their family members.

It asked the LHC to intervene and issue direct instructions to the authorities to arrange a meeting with Hammad Azhar during his custody with the police.

Hammad was arrested in Multan earlier this month and handed over to the Lahore Police in connection with cases related to the May 9 riots, including the attack on Jinnah House.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2026