The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday announced the formation of an “Imran Khan Release Force,” a new political mobilisation campaign aimed at securing the release of the party’s jailed founder and former prime minister.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, speaking at a press conference outside the Supreme Court, said the force would be formally registered and would pursue a “completely peaceful struggle” under a clear chain of command designated by Khan himself. Members are set to take an oath in Peshawar immediately after Eid-Ul-Fitr. The force will include PTI’s student, youth, women, minority, and professional wings.
Afridi said the campaign had become necessary following repeated violations of court orders and alleged restrictions on Khan’s access to his personal doctors. “This struggle is for real freedom, supremacy of the constitution and law, democracy, and free media,” he said, adding that membership cards would be issued nationwide within days.
The move comes amid heightened political tensions following months of confrontation between PTI and the government since Khan’s arrest in August 2023. The former cricketer, 73, was removed from office in a 2022 parliamentary vote of no confidence and later convicted in multiple cases that he and his party describe as politically motivated.
Recent revelations about Khan’s health have intensified PTI’s efforts. A medical report submitted to the Supreme Court indicated he has lost significant vision in his right eye, although authorities insist he is receiving proper treatment. Opposition sit-ins over his health, including a prolonged demonstration at Parliament House, were called off on Wednesday by the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan alliance.
Afridi emphasised that the Imran Khan Release Force would operate peacefully and dissolve once Khan is freed. Despite restrictions on broadcasting his image or speeches, Khan continues to retain a strong support base across key provinces, reflecting his enduring political influence.