ISLAMABAD: The embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday strongly condemned what it described as the political victimisation and inhumane treatment of Sahibzada Hamid Raza, the former Member of the National Assembly (MNA) and chairman of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
Raza, a key ally of the opposition PTI, remains in detention after his conviction by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) for his alleged involvement in the May 9, 2023, unrest, with reports indicating he is being denied essential medical care, legal rights, and basic human dignity in custody.
In a statement, PTI condemned what it called the inhuman treatment of Raza in jail — who was arrested last month while en route to voluntarily surrender to the court—as part of a broader pattern of political persecution, warning that it reflects a disturbing disregard for human rights and the rule of law.
“Raza’s arrest and the subsequent denial of his fundamental rights are part of an ongoing political vendetta aimed at undermining his spirit and political influence,” PTI said.
The party demanded that Raza be provided with immediate medical care and legal assistance while in custody, stressing that his family and legal counsel should be allowed to meet him in an unrestricted, humane setting.
PTI also called for a prompt and impartial hearing of Raza’s appeals, urging the judiciary to expedite the process and deliver swift justice.
The statement described Raza’s conditions in detention as “utterly intolerable,” citing his denial of vital medication and the forced meetings with his family and lawyers through bars – clear violations of his constitutional rights.
PTI further raised concerns over delays in Raza’s case, citing the recent recusal of a Lahore High Court (LHC) judge from hearing petitions related to him and others. The party argued that the delay undermines the right to a fair and timely trial.
PTI also expressed concern over the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) reluctance to suspend the by-election in Raza’s constituency, NA-104, claiming that the delay is being willfully employed to distort the electoral process in favour of political opponents.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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