ISLAMABAD: The senior leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) along with the Leader of the Opposition have collectively dismissed the idea of establishing a “release force” aimed at securing the release of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, ARY News reported citing sources.
Sources revealed that the proposal was initially floated by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. However, top PTI officials have voiced their opposition to the plan and have distanced themselves from the suggestion.
Party insiders clarified that the PTI leadership is committed to pursuing Imran Khan’s release through constitutional and legal channels rather than forming any specialized groups. They underscored their dedication to a “constitutional and lawful struggle” in this regard.
It was also reported that senior leaders have reached out to CM Afridi to express their reservations about the proposal. They conveyed that the majority of PTI’s leadership does not support creating such a force. Sources confirmed that a formal statement rejecting the “release force” will be issued by the party’s political committee. Currently, a meeting of the committee is underway, where this issue is under discussion.
Following the deliberations, the committee is expected to officially oppose the formation of any such force. Party officials reiterated their stance that PTI will continue to seek Imran Khan’s freedom through legal avenues and constitutional procedures.
Background on the ‘Release Force’ Proposal
On February 18, 2026, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced plans to establish a force dedicated to securing the release of Imran Khan. During a media interaction outside the Supreme Court, Afridi stated, “I will disband the force with gratitude once the party’s leader is released.”
He described the initiative as a peaceful effort, stating, “The force will be committed to non-violent action. I will swear an oath from its members on February 22.” Afridi added that the force would operate under a chain of command, with leadership entrusted to a person recommended by Imran Khan himself.
He emphasized that the movement would be aimed at defending democracy and the constitution. “Initially, preparations will be made, followed by peaceful protests and actions,” he said. “When the party leadership called for a sit-in, we staged it. Now, with the leadership’s decision, we are ending the sit-in.”
Afridi also responded to questions about political challenges, asserting that divine will governs all actions. “Anyone wishing to remove me should know that everything, good or bad, is in Allah’s hands,” he said. When asked about attempts to oust him from office, he suggested that the message should be directed to the sisters of Imran Khan, implying that divine guidance is at play.
