Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday announced the formation of the “Imran Khan Release Force,” saying the initiative will organize a structured and disciplined movement for the release of the PTI founder. The announcement signals a renewed phase of political mobilization as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for activity after Eid al-Fitr.
Speaking to reporters, Afridi said the party would not rush into street action without preparation. “I assure the people of Pakistan that we will give a call — and it will be the best call — but before that we will prepare. We will fight this battle with full preparation, and this battle will be for real freedom,” he said.
The chief minister said membership for the force has opened immediately, with formal oath-taking ceremonies expected in Peshawar after Eid in mid-March. According to party leaders, the structure will include PTI’s youth, women, minority wings and professional groups operating under a defined command system.
Structured movement planned
Afridi said the move follows directives from the PTI founder for an organized campaign rather than spontaneous protests. He described it as a peaceful and constitutional effort aimed at securing the former prime minister’s release.
Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 in multiple legal cases. PTI leaders have recently raised concerns about his health, including reported vision issues linked to retinal vein occlusion in his right eye.
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The federal government has maintained that legal proceedings are being conducted under due process.
Political reactions and next steps
Supporters have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a disciplined approach to political activism. Critics, however, have questioned the timing of a prolonged campaign given the former prime minister’s reported medical condition.
Afridi reiterated that the party’s struggle would focus on what PTI describes as “haqeeqi azadi,” or “real freedom,” and said further details about the movement’s roadmap would be shared after Eid.
The development suggests political tensions may intensify in the coming weeks as PTI reorganizes its street strategy and formalizes its campaign structure.
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