LAHORE – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Hammad Azhar has announced his decision to surrender before the court in connection with the May 9 violence cases.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Azhar expressed deep gratitude to all those who offered condolences after the passing of his father, veteran politician Mian Azhar. He also acknowledged the support of friends and well-wishers who stood by his family during this difficult time.
میں اپنی اور اپنے خاندان کی طرف سے ان ہزاروں ساتھیوں کا شکر گزار ہوں جنھوں نے میرے والد کے جنازے میں اور قران خوانی میں شرکت کی اور ان لاکھوں افراد کا بھی جنھوں نے افسوس کے پیغامات بجھوائے اور ان کی مغفرت کے لیے دعا کی۔ تمام سیاسی جماعتوں کے قائدین جنھوں نے ان کی یاد میں میں…
— Hammad Azhar (@Hammad_Azhar) July 25, 2025
The PTI leader stated that he is the only son of his parents and has a responsibility toward his three sisters, wife, and two young children. He noted that his family, especially his mother, has suffered greatly over the past two years while he remained in hiding due to the cases.
Azhar said he now wants to stay by his family’s side, especially his grieving mother. Reflecting on the situation, he claimed the cases filed against him were false and politically motivated.
He described the charges as baseless and declared that he has always respected the law. Emphasizing his innocence, he said he is ready to face the legal process and will fight the cases through the proper judicial system.
Hammad Azhar had remained out of public view for months, fearing arrest in connection with the May 9 riots that followed Imran Khan’s arrest. His reappearance comes just days after his father’s death, which led him to attend the funeral openly.
By deciding to appear in court, Azhar is now preparing to contest the allegations and clear his name legally. His announcement is seen as a significant step in PTI’s ongoing legal battles related to the events of May 2023.
Hammad Azhar also recently stepped down from his role as PTI’s interim president, a development you can read more about.