PTI decides to end Imran Khan release force plan

ISLAMABAD:  The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to scrap the “Imran Khan Release Force” plan, which is being termed as a major failure by the party’s hardliners.

Before Ramadan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had announced the formation of a special force to release PTI founder Imran Khan, who is in jail, with the aim of mobilizing workers for Imran Khan’s release.

According to the plan, an organized movement was announced after the party’s active workers took an oath and registered members, but this proposal soon faced resistance from within the party.

PTI Chairman Gauhar Ali Khan termed the idea as unconstitutional and illegal and warned that the formation of such a force could fall under the category of militancy.

The party leadership decided to completely scrap the concept of the force after internal consultations. Now, instead of forming a special force, a broad, comprehensive political movement will be launched in which every party worker will be able to join freely.

According to sources, the party leadership has clearly rejected any form of violence or militancy.

Party sources also said that the decision regarding the launch and nature of the protest movement will not be with Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, but the decision regarding the launch and timing of the movement or march will be at the discretion of the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

According to sources, senior PTI leaders have also stressed the need to avoid a repeat of past violent incidents, including the May 9 unrest and clashes during protests in Islamabad in late 2024.

Party leaders have given a firm assurance that any future movement will be strictly peaceful and kept within constitutional limits.