Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has abandoned its plan to form the “Imran Khan Release Force” after objections and legal concerns from within the party, reports quoted sources as saying.
The development marks a shift from an earlier proposal by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Sohail Afridi aimed at the formation of a dedicated force to mobilise workers for the release of jailed former prime minister Khan. The plan also included taking oaths from volunteers and registering members for an organised campaign.
The same, however, faced resistance from within PTI shortly after it was floated. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan described the idea as unconstitutional and illegal, warning that such a structure could fall under militancy-related concerns.
Party insiders said internal consultations were held following the objections, after which the leadership decided to drop the idea of a “force” altogether.
The initiative has now been restructured into a broader political movement open to all supporters, without any oath-taking or formal membership framework.
Reports quoted sources as saying that the revised approach focuses on a gradual, peaceful and political street-based movement. They added that participation will remain open, while any suggestion of organised militancy or violence has been rejected by the party.
Senior PTI leaders, according to insiders, also referred to past incidents including the May 9 unrest and the 2024 protests in Islamabad, stressing the need to avoid a repeat of violent clashes. They added that any future political activity will remain within constitutional limits, with emphasis on peaceful mobilisation.
Under the revised setup, decisions regarding the timing and nature of any protest movement will not be taken by the KP CM. Instead, these decisions will be handled by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
Party sources also said that consultations were held with allied opposition parties as part of efforts to develop a coordinated strategy.
