Pakistan opposition PTI leader Aliya Hamza detained, moved to Lahore jail

Aliya Hamza, a senior organizer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the country’s main opposition party, has been arrested in Lahore and transferred to Kot Lakhpat Jail, a high-security facility on the outskirts of the city, reports emerged on Thursday.

Sources said Aliya had traveled to Lahore to celebrate Eid with her family. She was taken into custody from her residence last night.

Lahore Police confirmed that after her arrest, she was shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail.

According to the police spokesperson, Aliya was listed as a proclaimed offender in the case registered at Shadman Police Station under FIR number 768/23 related to the May 9 riots.

The PTI leader's detention comes amid ongoing legal proceedings linked to the May 9 riots, a wave of violent protests that erupted across Pakistan following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in May 2023.

Aliya had previously been convicted in multiple cases related to the unrest, including a 10-year sentence for the Shadman police station arson case and an additional five-year term in other cases connected to the violence.

The Shadman police station case is among several high-profile trials stemming from the May 9 demonstrations, which targeted both civilian and military installations, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence.

At least 19 people are accused in the case, including senior PTI leaders such as Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, and Sanam Javed.

The May 9 riots marked one of the most turbulent episodes in Pakistan’s recent political history. In the aftermath, authorities launched a sweeping crackdown on PTI leaders, workers, and supporters. Hundreds were detained, several senior figures faced prolonged legal battles, and some went into hiding.