The political situation in Pakistan has intensified after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced plans to establish an Imran Khan Release Force, a move that has triggered strong reactions within political circles as well as inside the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) itself. The chief minister stated that the proposed force would unite party workers, lawyers, and youth members under one platform to prepare for a peaceful movement aimed at securing the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, who has remained in prison since August 2023.
According to Afridi, the initiative reflects the responsibility assigned to him by the former prime minister to organize a street movement. He emphasized that the force would operate through lawful and peaceful means and that members would formally take an oath in Peshawar after Eid ul Fitr. Afridi also criticized the ruling alliance, accusing it of undermining the public mandate during the February elections.
The announcement comes at a time when concerns about Imran Khan’s health have gained attention. Medical reports submitted to the Supreme Court revealed that he suffers from central retinal vein occlusion, leaving him with limited vision in one eye. While government officials insist that he is receiving proper medical care, PTI leaders have expressed doubts about the authenticity of official medical reports.
However, the proposal has exposed internal differences within PTI. Party Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the idea appeared to be a proposal rather than an officially approved decision. He suggested that discussions were needed since PTI already has active organizations such as youth and student wings.
On the other hand, some allies of the KP chief minister argued that the announcement itself made the formation inevitable. Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reportedly intervened, warning that creating a group labeled as a force could raise constitutional and legal concerns. Political observers believe the controversy highlights growing tensions over strategy as the opposition seeks unity while avoiding actions that could be interpreted as unlawful.
The debate surrounding the proposed force continues, reflecting the broader struggle shaping Pakistan’s evolving political landscape.
