Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif cautioned that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s position is in jeopardy due to his ‘Release Imran Khan Force’, terming it as unauthorized and against the law. Asif emphasized that only the federal government has the authority to establish such forces, as reported by Geo News. He clarified that there were no talks about relocating PTI chief Imran Khan abroad or to his Islamabad residence in Bani Gala.
The Defence Minister’s remarks came after CM Afridi’s declaration of the force designed to secure the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been in custody since August 2023. Afridi announced the force on February 18 following the end of a sit-in by PTI lawmakers and the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aiyeen Pakistan (TTAP) at Parliament House in Islamabad. Afridi disclosed that the imprisoned PTI founder had entrusted him with leading a street movement.
Afridi assured that the force, which will be officially registered, will engage in a peaceful struggle and members will take an oath in Peshawar after Eid al-Fitr. He mentioned that the force will operate under a defined hierarchy, with Imran choosing the leader. The movement will advocate for constitutional supremacy, democracy, and a free press, Afridi added. Imran has been detained at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since his arrest in August 2023 on corruption charges.
