SIC Chief Resigns as TTAP Secretary Citing Online Trolling

Islamabad: Sahibzada Hamid Raza, head of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), has resigned from his role as Information Secretary of the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), amid pressure from ongoing court cases and backlash on social media.

The TTAP confirmed Raza’s resignation on Tuesday but emphasized that he and the SIC remain allies of the opposition alliance, which includes the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Sources said that Raza became upset after facing online trolling from PTI social media activists, following his decision not to take part in the September 20 protest campaign known as “Mission Nor.” Some opposition figures had marked the protest day by publicly reciting Azaan on social media. Raza reportedly disagreed with this form of protest.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan clarified that the PTI had made no official announcement for “Mission Nor” and suggested the call may have come from unofficial sources.

A TTAP spokesperson, Akhunzada Hussain, said in a statement posted on the alliance’s X (formerly Twitter) account that Raza’s resignation had initially been rejected. However, due to Raza’s ongoing legal issues and imprisonment, he again submitted his resignation, saying he could no longer carry out his duties.

“This matter will be discussed at the TTAP summit meeting,” Hussain said. “But the alliance makes it clear that the SIC remains a committed ally of the Tehreek.”

Earlier this year, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) de-notified nine PTI lawmakers, including Hamid Raza, after they were convicted in connection with the May 9 incidents.

Raza was sentenced to 10 years in prison by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad, under charges of involvement in violent protests. He and eight others were disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, which bars individuals convicted of moral turpitude from holding public office.

In a separate personal statement posted to TTAP’s social media account, Raza confirmed his resignation was in line with his party’s guidance following an emergency meeting.

“He stood with Imran Khan and will continue to stand with him,” the statement said.

Despite stepping down from his TTAP role, Raza’s political alliance with PTI and Imran Khan remains unchanged, according to both SIC and TTAP leaders.