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Court sends PTI's Hammad Azhar to jail on judicial remand in May 9 case

An anti-terrorism court in Lahore rejected the police request for more physical remand of PTI leader Hammad Azhar. He was sent to jail on judicial remand.

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Here is an hdr photograph taken from the courtroom inside Beverley Guildhall. Located in Beverley , East Riding of Yorkshire , England.
Here is an hdr photograph taken from the courtroom inside Beverley Guildhall. Located in Beverley , East Riding of Yorkshire , England. Photo: Michael D Beckwith / Wikimedia Commons
KEY POINTS
  • Anti-terrorism court rejected police request for further physical remand
  • Hammad Azhar sent to jail on judicial remand on Tuesday
  • Total physical remand so far is reported as 50 days
  • Prosecution said a polygraph test was still pending
50 daysTotal physical remand
12 daysLatest physical remand period

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday rejected a police request to extend the physical remand of PTI leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar and sent him to jail on judicial remand. He was arrested in a case connected to the May 9 arson and vandalism.

According to Express News and Daily Pakistan, police produced him in court when his physical remand ended and asked for more time in custody. The court turned down the request. Both outlets report that his total physical remand has come to 50 days.

24 News reported that the case concerned the attack on Jinnah House. It said the ATC's administrative judge, Sardar Muhammad Akram Khan, announced the decision. 24 News also reported that Azhar had been brought to court after completing a 12-day physical remand.

During the hearing, according to 24 News, the state counsel told the court that a polygraph test of the suspect had not yet been carried out. The counsel asked the court to extend the physical remand for that reason.

Azhar's lawyer, Abu Zar Niazi, said that if the polygraph test was the purpose, his client should be sent to jail on judicial remand instead. He cited a ruling of a high court and argued that a suspect can be put through such a test only if he or she is willing.

Azhar also spoke in court. He said he should not be made to pay for the prosecution's ignorance. According to 24 News, he said that if the law gave him a choice, he would not undergo the test.

The court rejected the police request and ordered that he be sent to jail on judicial remand. The reports did not give a date for the next hearing.

Why it matters

Court cases over the May 9 events shape national politics and affect the political future of many Pakistanis, including supporters and leaders of PTI.

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Hammad AzharMay 9 casePTI

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