LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Monday handed PTI leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar over to police on a seven-day physical remand in the Jinnah House attack case.
Azhar was produced before the ATC, where police sought further physical remand to recover his mobile phone and SIM card and advance the investigation.
The PTI leader opposed the request, arguing that a 21-day remand had already been granted previously. He questioned whether the allegations against him were more serious than murder cases, where he said a 14-day remand is generally granted.
Azhar also complained that he was not being allowed to meet his family members and lawyers.
At an earlier hearing, the court had approved a 21-day physical remand after police initially requested 20 days. The investigation officer told the court that Azhar had remained a proclaimed offender in the case for a prolonged period and that his arrest had made further physical remand necessary for investigation.
Police said Azhar was wanted in 18 cases and had remained in hiding for around three years. His arrest was formally announced earlier on Monday, with authorities saying he was apprehended in accordance with legal procedures.
Police said a challan would be submitted before the ATC after completion of the investigation.