Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Announces Formation of 'Imran Khan Release Force'
In a significant political development, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced on Wednesday the establishment of the "Imran Khan Release Force" to campaign for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Afridi stated that a public movement had become "unavoidable after persistent violations of court directives", emphasizing the need for constitutional supremacy and democratic strengthening.
Peaceful Struggle and Leadership Structure
Afridi clarified that the force would wage a completely peaceful struggle, with plans to dissolve it upon Khan's release. Speaking to reporters outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan, he outlined the operational framework:
- Membership cards will be ready within four to five days.
- Youth from Peshawar will take oaths after Eidul Fitr.
- Responsibility for managing protests and negotiations has been assigned to Senate opposition leader Raja Nasir Abbas and National Assembly opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
- Imran Khan has delegated the task of preparing a street movement to these leaders.
The force will include members from:
- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
- Insaf Students Federation
- The party's women's wing
Afridi assured that the force would be formally registered, operate under a clear chain of command, and begin activities only after thorough preparations are complete. The initiative aims to ensure constitutional supremacy, strengthen democracy, and safeguard an independent media.
Background on Imran Khan's Incarceration
Imran Khan, 73, has been jailed since August 2023 following convictions in several cases he claims are politically motivated, stemming from his removal in a 2022 parliamentary vote. His party has intensified calls for his release after a medical report submitted to court indicated his right-eye vision had dropped to 15%. The government maintains he is receiving the best possible care.
Related Political Developments
In a separate announcement, Raja Nasir Abbas declared the end of a sit-in staged by the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) alliance outside parliament as Ramazan begins. The group will decide its next course of action. Abbas stated the protest was organized to prevent what he termed government negligence and unconstitutional actions, alleging:
- Lawmakers were effectively confined within parliament premises and residences.
- Cases, including terrorism charges, were filed against them.
- Peaceful protests were obstructed.
Regarding Khan's health, Abbas noted that a medical report confirmed some improvement in his eyesight, but concerns remain, and monitoring is required. He accused jail authorities of negligence, claiming the condition had earlier been critical, and legal action is underway. Abbas called for specialist treatment at Shifa International Hospital and demanded access for family members and doctors, including Faisal Sultan. "Even slight improvement makes us happy, and we pray for his full recovery," he said.
