Mian Ibad Farooq, a dedicated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ticket holder from Lahore, has become a poignant figure in Pakistan’s political landscape, marked by both personal tragedy and political defiance. Known for his loyalty to PTI founder Imran Khan, Ibad’s journey is one of steadfast commitment, marred by legal battles and the heartbreaking loss of his young son, Ammar. This blog post explores his background, political career, controversies, and the enduring impact of his story in PTI’s fight for “Haqeeqi Azadi” (real freedom).
Early Life and Political Journey
Mian Ibad Farooq, born in Lahore, Pakistan, is a relatively young politician who joined PTI in recent years, driven by the party’s vision of a corruption-free Pakistan. A graduate by education, Ibad quickly rose through PTI’s ranks, becoming a prominent figure in Lahore’s political scene. He was awarded the PTI ticket for the PP-149 constituency in Lahore, a testament to his dedication and active participation in party rallies and campaigns. His Twitter handle, @FarooqAbbad, became a platform for rallying PTI supporters and voicing the party’s agenda. Ibad’s commitment was evident in his consistent presence at PTI events, particularly in Lahore, where he mobilized supporters alongside senior leaders.
Controversies and the May 9 Riots
Ibad’s political career took a tumultuous turn following the May 9, 2023, protests triggered by Imran Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Ibad was implicated in the attack on Jinnah House (the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore), accused of acting on instructions from senior PTI leaders like Dr. Yasmin Rashid and Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed to set the property on fire. In a video message on May 17, 2023, Ibad condemned the violence and announced his decision to return the PP-149 ticket, stating he would contest as an independent candidate. He expressed regret, saying, “No institution should be set on fire,” and distanced himself from the leadership’s alleged directives.
However, an alleged audio leak surfaced, in which Ibad reportedly claimed he reached Jinnah House with other PTI leaders under orders to attack it. This fueled controversy, with critics accusing him of inciting violence, while PTI supporters argued the audio was manipulated to defame him. Ibad faced multiple arrests, including one during PTI’s Jail Bharo movement for vandalizing a police van and another for his alleged role in the May 9 incidents. His arrests, which PTI labeled as politically motivated, marked the beginning of a prolonged period of incarceration.
Personal Tragedy: The Loss of Ammar
The most heart-wrenching chapter of Ibad’s story is the death of his seven-year-old son, Ammar Ibad Farooq, on September 18, 2023. Ammar reportedly suffered from a neurological illness, which his family and PTI attributed to the trauma caused by Ibad’s arrest and the state’s harassment of their family. Ibad’s brother, Shehzad, revealed that Ammar cried for hours missing his father, who had been in jail for over 130 days. PTI’s official statement called Ammar’s death a “brutal murder” by a “barbaric system,” alleging that he was denied essential medical treatment and that hospitals turned him away due to his father’s PTI affiliation.
Conflicting reports suggested Ammar’s condition may have predated Ibad’s arrest, but the narrative of state oppression gained traction on social media, with hashtags like #JusticeForAmmar trending. Ibad was briefly released to attend Ammar’s funeral in Lahore, where he wrapped his son in Pakistan’s flag, a gesture PTI supporters cited as proof of his patriotism despite facing treason charges in a military court. He was rearrested shortly after. The tragedy sparked widespread outrage, with PTI leaders like Omar Ayub Khan and Raoof Hasan demanding a high-level investigation into the state’s role, calling for accountability from Punjab’s caretaker government and police.
Legal Battles and Military Custody
Ibad’s legal troubles intensified with his detention in military custody for his alleged role in the May 9 riots. On April 19, 2024, PTI condemned the “disappearance” of Ibad and Hassan Niazi from military custody, alleging they were moved to an undisclosed location as part of a campaign of political revenge. The party called the trial of civilians under military laws unconstitutional, demanding Supreme Court intervention to ensure their release and accountability for their “abductors.” Ibad’s family made repeated pleas for his release or at least a meeting with Ammar during his illness, but these went unanswered.
Despite earlier bail approval by a Lahore court on March 14, 2023, Ibad faced rearrests, a pattern PTI claims is designed to suppress dissent. His incarceration, alongside that of other PTI leaders, has fueled the party’s narrative of state oppression, with supporters on X praising Ibad’s resilience as a “living example” of the real freedom movement.
Public Perception and Legacy
Mian Ibad Farooq is a polarizing figure. To PTI supporters, he is a patriot enduring immense personal loss for his loyalty to Imran Khan and the cause of “Haqeeqi Azadi.” Social media posts highlight his sacrifice, with one user noting, “What kind of traitor wraps his son in Pakistan’s flag?” Critics, however, point to his alleged involvement in the Jinnah House attack, viewing him as complicit in the May 9 violence. The controversy over his audio leak and decision to return the PTI ticket further complicates his image, with some seeing it as a principled stand against violence and others as a betrayal of party loyalty.
Ibad’s story, particularly the loss of Ammar, has galvanized PTI’s base, with leaders like Raoof Hasan vowing that his sacrifice “will not go to waste” and will “accelerate the journey to real freedom.” The tragedy has also sparked broader debates about the treatment of political prisoners and their families, with PTI framing it as evidence of systemic fascism.
Current Status and Future
As of July 18, 2025, Mian Ibad Farooq’s whereabouts and legal status remain uncertain, with PTI’s claims of his “disappearance” from military custody raising concerns about his safety. His family continues to face harassment, with his brother Shehzad reporting deteriorating health for Ammar’s mother due to ongoing stress. Ibad’s resilience, coupled with the tragic loss of his son, has cemented his place in PTI’s narrative as a symbol of sacrifice in the fight against oppression. Whether he will emerge to continue his political journey or remain entangled in legal battles, Ibad’s story underscores the high personal cost of political activism in Pakistan’s polarized climate.
Disclaimer: This blog post is based on publicly available information from web sources and social media posts. Allegations of state harassment, mistreatment in custody, and the cause of Ammar Ibad’s death remain unverified and should be treated as inconclusive.
