ISLAMABAD, September 24, 2025 – The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has confirmed that Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza has stepped down from his role as information secretary. His resignation comes after mounting pressure from court cases and persistent trolling by PTI social media activists.
PTI Trolling Row Sparks Rift
Sources inside TTAP revealed that Hamid Raza was targeted by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) digital teams after he refused to participate in the controversial September 20 protest, dubbed “Mission Nor.”
Although PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan denied that the campaign was officially announced by the party, opposition figures such as Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri were seen marking it with symbolic acts, including the recitation of Azaan.
Raza and the SIC leadership expressed reservations about this mode of protest, which ultimately led to his barrage of online criticism and frustration with PTI’s online circles.
TTAP Confirms Resignation But Calls SIC an Ally
TTAP spokesman Akhunzada Hussain confirmed via the alliance’s official X account that Raza had submitted his resignation “due to legal challenges and imprisonment,” saying he could no longer effectively fulfill his duties.
He added that although the resignation had been submitted twice, TTAP’s leadership will formally discuss it in its upcoming summit. The spokesman stressed that Sunni Ittehad Council remains a strong ally of PTI and the opposition alliance.
Legal Troubles Add to Pressure
Hamid Raza is already facing serious legal setbacks. Earlier this year, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) de-notified nine PTI lawmakers, including Raza, following convictions in the May 9 cases.
The ECP cited Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, which disqualifies any lawmaker convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude with a sentence of at least two years.
A Faisalabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) had sentenced 108 individuals, including Raza, to 10 years in prison in connection with the violent events of May 9.
Raza Vows Continued Support for Imran Khan
In a statement posted on TTAP’s X account, Sahibzada Hamid Raza clarified that his decision was made in line with SIC’s emergency meeting guidelines. He reiterated his loyalty to former prime minister Imran Khan, stating:
“I stood with Imran Khan and will continue to stand with him.”