ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has unveiled a new body titled the “Imran Khan Release Force” to campaign for the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan.
Khan, 73, has been behind bars since August 2023 after being convicted in multiple cases. He maintains the charges are politically motivated and linked to his removal from office through a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in 2022.
The party has intensified its efforts following a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court which stated that the former premier has only 15 percent vision remaining in his right eye. The government, however, insists that he is receiving appropriate medical care.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently told reporters that both PTI leaders and Khan’s personal physicians were satisfied with the treatment being provided, accusing his sister, Aleema Khan, of politicising the health issue.
Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said he had been tasked by the incarcerated PTI founder with leading a “street movement” to secure his release.
Afridi alleged that court directives were being ignored and claimed Khan was still being denied access to his personal doctors.
Announcing the formation of the “Imran Khan Release Force,” the chief minister said the organisation would be formally registered and would pursue a peaceful campaign. He added that members would take an oath in Peshawar after Eidul Fitr.
He said the force would operate under a defined chain of command, with leadership roles to be determined by Khan himself. Preparations for the movement would be completed before launching any action.
According to Afridi, the campaign aims to uphold constitutional supremacy, democracy and media freedom.