(Web Desk) – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the formation of an “Imran Khan Release Force” on Wednesday, signaling a new phase in political mobilization aimed at securing the release of the jailed former prime minister.
Speaking to media outside the Supreme Court in Islamabad, Afridi said that responsibilities related to protest coordination and negotiations had been assigned to senior political figures Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Mahmood Khan Achakzai. He added that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder had entrusted them with preparing a broader street movement strategy, under which the proposed force would be established.
According to Afridi, the “Imran Khan Release Force” will include members from PTI, the Insaf Student Federation (ISF), the party’s women’s wing, and supporters from various social sectors. He said an oath-taking ceremony for participants is planned in Peshawar after Eid, after which further steps and a detailed political roadmap will be announced.
During the media interaction, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas stated that a medical report concerning Imran Khan’s eye condition had been submitted to the Supreme Court. He claimed that the former premier’s eyesight had been in a concerning state and alleged negligence by jail authorities, adding that legal action would be pursued.
Nasir Abbas said the earlier decision by the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance to stage a sit-in outside Parliament was intended to pressure the government to address health-related concerns. He criticized what he described as restrictions on peaceful protests and raised concerns about arrests and terrorism charges against opposition supporters.
He further noted that Mahmood Khan Achakzai had previously threatened a hunger strike following reports of damage to Imran Khan’s vision. While some improvement has reportedly been observed, he emphasized that continuous monitoring is necessary and reiterated demands for access by personal physicians, including Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Aasim Yusuf, as well as regular communication with family members and legal representatives.
TTAP leaders said the decision to end the sit-in was influenced by the approaching start of Ramadan, while discussions on future political strategy remain ongoing.
