LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader Hammad Azhar has dodged the Punjab Police yet again as his whereabouts are unknown since he disappeared after attending the funeral prayers of his father Mian Azhar and meeting people from across party lines and sections of society during the past week.

Hammad Azhar, who was in hiding for the past two years and was recently declared absconder, had attended the funeral prayers for his father on July 24.

Some two days ago, Mr Azhar had posted CCTV footage of police vans and bikes on his X handle, stating that the police vans and bikes were repeatedly visiting his residence and questioning the staff last night.

Later, his X handle fell silent and it was learnt on Thursday that he had slipped away from his residence, while dodging the police.

Mr Azhar had also foxed the police in Islamabad as well as at several protests in Lahore, including after delivering his speech at a party’s public meeting in Kahna.

A party leader, requesting anonymity, said Azhar was the only leader in the party, who could dodge the police anytime, anywhere. Another party leader, however, alleged that the absconder had reached his father’s funeral in a top government functionary’s vehicle and might have been ‘rescued’ by the same top functionary.

On July 25, Hammad Azhar had tweeted expressing his gratitude to the thousands of companions who attended his father’s funeral and Quran recitation for the deceased besides sending messages of condolence.

Stating that he was the only son of his parents, a brother to three sisters, and a father to two young children, he said he and his family had endured immense pain and grief for over two years.

In the same tweet, Mr Azhar stated, “I am innocent and have been targeted with baseless cases that have no substance”. He said he would approach the court and seek justice. “If I receive justice, I will thank Allah, and if not, I will bear further oppression with steadfastness and patience. Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient,” he wrote.

Published in Dawn, Aug 1st, 2025