Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially scrapped its controversial plan to form an “Imran Khan Release Force,” a move seen as a major setback for the party’s hardline faction.
The initiative, initially announced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, aimed to mobilize volunteers to support the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from jail. The plan included formal registration of members and oath-taking ceremonies to create a structured force.
However, the proposal quickly met resistance within PTI. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan deemed the idea unconstitutional and warned that such a force could fall into the category of militancy.
After internal consultations, party leadership decided to completely abandon the force concept. Instead, they will now channel efforts into a broad, inclusive political movement that remains open to all supporters, without any formal structure or oath reminiscent of a paramilitary force.
Sources say the revised strategy emphasizes a gradual, peaceful, and democratic street-based movement, rejecting violence or militancy. Decisions regarding the timing and nature of any protests or marches will no longer rest with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister. Instead, they will be coordinated by National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
PTI insiders also revealed that consultations extended beyond the party to allied opposition groups, aiming to adopt a unified, cautious approach. Senior PTI leaders emphasized avoiding repetition of past violent incidents, including the May 9 unrest and clashes during Islamabad protests in late 2024.
Observers interpret the shift from a “force” to a traditional political movement as a clear victory for pragmatic and moderate voices within PTI over hardline elements advocating aggressive strategies.
The party has committed that all future movements will strictly remain peaceful and within constitutional limits, signaling a strategic recalibration ahead of upcoming political challenges.
