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PTI Chairman Moves to Block ‘Imran Khan Release Force’ Plan
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has reportedly stopped KP CM Sohail Afridi from launching the proposed “Imran Khan Release Force,” warning it could be unconstitutional and legally risky.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-24
PTI Chairman Moves to Block ‘Imran Khan Release Force’ Plan

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Gohar Ali Khan has reportedly intervened to halt a controversial proposal by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to establish an “Imran Khan Release Force” aimed at mobilising support for the party’s founder, Imran Khan.

According to party sources, the intervention was made directly and through senior party leaders after the chief minister announced plans to form a special force to push for Imran Khan’s release from jail.

Sources said Barrister Gohar categorically warned that the creation of any group described as a “force” — particularly one involving members taking an oath for a political objective — could be viewed as unconstitutional and illegal. He is said to have cautioned that such a move might even fall within the ambit of militancy, exposing the party to serious legal consequences.

The PTI chairman reportedly reached out to other opposition leaders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, in an effort to maintain unity within both the party and the broader opposition alliance against the proposal.

Internal Concerns and Postponement

Political insiders say the KP chief minister had initially planned to administer an oath to members of the proposed force on February 22. However, the move was postponed at the last minute following internal objections from the party’s central leadership.

While reports suggest the oath-taking may now be considered after Ramadan, senior PTI leaders privately acknowledge that the proposal has raised alarm within the party. They fear that establishing a quasi-organisational “force” could invite legal action and strengthen accusations that the party is promoting confrontation.

Barrister Gohar is said to have proposed an alternative strategy, suggesting the formation of legal and political committees at provincial, regional and district levels — similar to structures adopted in previous political movements — to avoid constitutional complications.

The issue was reportedly discussed in a recent political committee meeting, where participants were instructed not to comment publicly on the matter, indicating an effort by the leadership to contain internal divisions.

Strategic Differences Within PTI

The episode underscores emerging differences within PTI over strategy at a time when the party faces mounting political and legal challenges. While some leaders favour aggressive mobilisation to secure Imran Khan’s release, others advocate a more cautious and legally defensible approach.

There are also allegations circulating within political circles that the idea of forming a release force was proposed to the KP chief minister by Murad Saeed. Afridi is believed to be aligned with Saeed within the party’s internal dynamics.

The developments highlight growing debate within PTI over how best to navigate the current political landscape, balancing grassroots mobilisation with legal and constitutional considerations.
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