Internal cracks have widened inside Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi announced plans to form a “Release Imran Khan Force.” The proposal has triggered sharp debate within party ranks.
The announcement came shortly after the Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan ended its sit-in outside the Supreme Court. However, several senior leaders appeared unaware of the plan beforehand. Consequently, confusion spread across the party’s political committee.
Party Leadership Questions Need for New Force
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram stated that he first learned of the proposal during the public announcement. He clarified that the idea could still be discussed internally.
Moreover, he stressed that any such move would require formal endorsement from the Political Committee or Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. He argued that the party already operates through established bodies, including the Insaf Students Federation and youth wings.
Therefore, he questioned whether creating another force was necessary. He emphasized that decisions of this magnitude must follow institutional approval.
Afridi’s Camp Defends the Plan
In contrast, Afridi’s aide Shafi Ullah Jan maintained that the force would be formed since the chief minister had already announced it. He insisted that endorsement from the Political Committee was not mandatory.
However, he added that the party would eventually be taken on board. He also stated that the party founder had entrusted street movement responsibilities to Afridi. Thus, he suggested the chief minister had discretion in mobilization strategies.
Insiders revealed that the Political Committee discussed the matter recently. Nevertheless, members reportedly remained sharply divided over the proposal.
Jailed Leaders Urge Restraint During Ramadan
Separately, senior PTI leaders incarcerated at Kot Lakhpat jail called for postponing protest activities during Ramadan. Among them were Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Yasmin Rashid.
In a joint letter, they urged the party to shift focus toward parliamentary engagement. Furthermore, they recommended consensus-based decisions within the core and political committees. If consensus fails, majority decisions should be documented and binding.
They also demanded that the government ensure proper medical treatment for Imran Khan. Additionally, they condemned remarks by Asif Ali Zardari, calling them inappropriate for the office.
The jailed leaders stressed organizational revival at grassroots level. They argued that a disciplined structure remains essential for effective political struggle.
Government Declares Proposal Illegal
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the proposed force would be unconstitutional. He stated that only the federal government has authority to create such bodies.
He further claimed that Afridi’s move placed his own position at risk. Moreover, he dismissed speculation regarding relocation or special arrangements for Imran Khan.
Political Implications Ahead
The controversy has intensified internal tensions within PTI. On one hand, some leaders support assertive street mobilization. On the other hand, several senior figures prefer parliamentary and legal avenues.
As Ramadan approaches, the party faces a strategic crossroads. Therefore, its leadership must decide whether to escalate confrontation or consolidate institutional politics.
In conclusion, Afridi’s “Release Force” plan has exposed underlying divisions within PTI. The coming weeks may determine whether unity prevails or further fragmentation unfolds.
