Salman Akram Raja, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and senior lawyer, was arrested in Lahore on Saturday during a protest against alleged election rigging. This has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with PTI terming it "shameful" and analysts raising concerns about democratic rights.

Raja's arrest, captured on video and shared by PTI, shows him being taken away by police while asserting his right to protest. The party immediately condemned the act, calling it "unlawful" and demanding his release.

Prominent PTI figures like Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra and Afrasiab Khattak condemned the arrest, viewing it as an attempt to stifle dissent and suppress protests against alleged rigging. Historian Ammar Ali Jan termed it a sign of the "deep state's bankruptcy."

Political analysts also weighed in, with Mosharraf Zaidi questioning the legal basis for the arrest and Ammar Rashid calling it a "calculated move" pushing for violence.

This incident adds fuel to the already tense political climate in Pakistan, following the disputed February 8th elections. PTI has been vocal about alleged irregularities and called for nationwide protests. The government, however, maintains the elections were fair and transparent.

Raja's arrest has become a flashpoint, raising concerns about the use of force against peaceful protests and the suppression of dissent. While the official reason for the arrest remains unclear, it has undoubtedly intensified the ongoing political struggle and further polarized the public opinion.

It remains to be seen how this incident will unfold and what impact it will have on the already fragile political landscape of Pakistan. Whether Raja's arrest leads to further escalation or serves as a catalyst for dialogue and resolution is yet to be determined.