Sunni Ittehad Council leader Sahibzada Hamid Raza has been arrested by Punjab police during a late-night operation, sources confirmed on Tuesday. The arrest took place amid growing political tensions and renewed action against opposition figures across the province.
According to local reports, the Sunni Ittehad Council leader was taken into custody from Faisalabad, though officials have not disclosed further details. The move sparked criticism from party supporters, who called it politically motivated and demanded his immediate release.
Hamid Raza, a prominent religious and political figure, has been vocal about government policies and previously aligned himself with movements supporting political reforms. His arrest is being seen by analysts as part of a wider effort to tighten control ahead of upcoming political activities in Punjab.
Earlier this week, a similar situation unfolded when authorities attempted to detain other opposition members in Islamabad and Peshawar. However, in a separate case, police failed to arrest PTI leaders at KP House despite heavy deployment and multiple attempts. The situation drew national attention and raised questions about selective enforcement.
The arrest of the Sunni Ittehad Council leader comes at a time when political temperatures are already high. Law enforcement agencies have increased their presence in several cities, citing security concerns and potential protests from opposition groups.
Legal experts believe Hamid Raza’s detention could influence upcoming negotiations between religious parties and government representatives. Meanwhile, the Sunni Ittehad Council has announced that it will challenge the arrest in court, calling it an attack on democratic rights and freedom of expression.
As the story develops, opposition leaders continue to demand transparency and an end to what they describe as targeted arrests. The situation remains tense, with party supporters urging restraint and peaceful protests across Punjab.
