PTI’s Raja Basharat Briefly Held by Police

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Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Punjab law minister Raja Basharat was briefly detained by New Town Police in Rawalpindi on Wednesday while attending a hearing at an election tribunal. The incident is linked to ongoing legal proceedings stemming from the November 26 protest, which was part of PTI’s nationwide campaign demanding electoral transparency and protesting the previous government’s ouster.

According to Advocate Sardar Abdul Razzaq, Basharat’s legal counsel, the PTI leader had already secured interim bail in all relevant protest-related cases, some of which include allegations under anti-terrorism laws. Razzaq stated that bail documentation and surety papers had been presented both at the court and later at the police station.

Despite this, Basharat was taken into custody by police officers reportedly acting on previous arrest orders. He was escorted to the New Town Police Station, where the situation quickly drew attention. A group of lawyers and supporters arrived shortly after, protesting what they described as an illegal and unwarranted arrest.

Police authorities reviewed the documentation and, after verification, released Basharat without registering any new charges or filing a First Information Report (FIR). As of this writing, the Rawalpindi police have not issued an official statement clarifying the reason for the arrest or explaining the apparent oversight regarding Basharat’s bail status.

Basharat has remained a high-profile figure within PTI, especially since the May 2023 crackdown on the party following nationwide protests. He has previously appeared before the Anti-Terrorism Court and other judicial forums to secure bail in several pending cases. In May 2025, he surrendered to authorities and was granted bail in multiple FIRs related to political demonstrations.

Legal experts say that this recent incident raises serious concerns about the communication gap between the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. It also highlights potential procedural lapses in the enforcement of bail orders in politically sensitive cases.

The brief detention and swift release have reignited debate over the rule of law and due process in Pakistan, particularly regarding the treatment of opposition figures. Observers have urged authorities to improve coordination between legal institutions and ensure that court-issued protections are upheld consistently.

As of now, no formal statement has been issued by PTI or Raja Basharat himself regarding the incident.