ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has reportedly intervened to halt a controversial proposal by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to establish an “Imran Khan Release Force.” The move, according to party sources, reflects growing internal concern over the legal and political implications of such an initiative.
The proposal surfaced after the KP chief minister publicly announced plans to create a dedicated “force” aimed at securing the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, who is also the founder of PTI. However, senior party leaders quickly raised objections, warning that the terminology and structure of such a body could invite serious legal consequences.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
Sources familiar with the discussions told The News that Barrister Gohar directly communicated his reservations to the KP chief minister. He reportedly cautioned that forming any entity described as a “force” — particularly one requiring members to take an oath tied to a political objective — could be interpreted as unconstitutional or unlawful. There were also concerns that such a move might be viewed as encouraging militancy, potentially exposing the party to legal action.
The KP chief minister had allegedly planned to administer an oath to members of the proposed body on February 22. However, the ceremony was quietly shelved following internal objections. Insiders suggest the plan may be revisited after Ramazan, although no formal announcement has been made.
Efforts to Build Political Consensus
Barrister Gohar is also said to have consulted opposition leaders, including Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, in an effort to build broader political consensus against the idea. This outreach indicates the seriousness with which PTI’s central leadership views the potential fallout from the proposal.
During a recent meeting of PTI’s political committee, participants were reportedly instructed to refrain from public commentary on the matter — a move seen as an attempt to contain internal divisions and avoid further controversy.
PTI Forms “Imran Khan Release Force” to Advocate for Former PM’s Freedom
Diverging Strategies Within PTI
The episode highlights emerging tensions within PTI over how best to pursue Imran Khan’s release. While some leaders appear to favour aggressive mobilisation, others advocate a cautious and legally defensible strategy. Barrister Gohar has reportedly suggested forming conventional political committees at provincial, regional, and district levels — a method historically used by parties to organise movements without breaching constitutional boundaries.
Unconfirmed reports also suggest that former PTI leader Murad Saeed may have floated the original idea of the “release force,” though this has not been officially verified.
As PTI navigates an increasingly complex political environment, the debate underscores the delicate balance between mobilisation and legal risk, with party leadership appearing keen to avoid actions that could further complicate its position.
Originally published in The News
