ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday strongly criticised what it described as political victimisation and degrading jail conditions faced by former MNA and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza.
The party alleged that Raza was being denied essential medical treatment and basic constitutional rights, calling the situation a serious violation of justice and due process.
Raza was arrested by Islamabad police and produced before an anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad, which sent him to prison to serve his 10-year sentence in the May 9 case. He, along with several PTI leaders, was convicted on July 31.
According to PTI, Raza was detained while he was on his way to voluntarily surrender, yet was still denied fundamental rights after arrest.
In a statement released by the PTI Central Media Department, the party denounced the treatment being meted out to Raza during incarceration, terming it evidence of a disturbing trend of political persecution and disregard for human dignity.
The PTI demanded immediate access for Raza to proper medical care and legal support, adding that his family and lawyers must be allowed to meet him in a respectful and unhindered environment.
The party further remarked that the sentence handed down to Raza reflected a broader pattern of political vendetta, while the living conditions he faced in jail were “unacceptable and unconstitutional”.
PTI expressed alarm over reports that he was being deprived of necessary medication, and that his family and lawyers were only permitted to meet him through iron bars in restrictive circumstances.
The statement also highlighted concerns regarding judicial delays, noting that a Lahore High Court judge had recused himself from hearing Raza’s petitions on November 14, leading to further postponements and affecting his right to a fair and timely hearing.
The PTI added that the refusal to stay the NA-104 by-election had created an uneven electoral playing field.
