KP CM announces formation of “Imran Khan Release Force” following PTI protests

PESHAWAR:  Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, stated that the responsibility for managing protests and negotiations had been assigned to Allama Nasir Abbas and Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) entrusted them with preparing a street movement, under which the “Imran Khan Release Force” is being established.

Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Afridi said the force will include members from all PTI factions, including the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) and the party’s Women Wing. The official oath-taking ceremony is planned for Peshawar after Eid, followed by an announcement of the movement’s future strategy.

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas highlighted that the PTI founder’s medical report regarding his eyes has been submitted to the Supreme Court. He described the founder’s eye condition as critical and accused jail authorities of criminal negligence, adding that legal action will be taken against those responsible.

Abbas said the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aeen Pakistan had decided to hold a sit-in outside Parliament to protest government negligence. He condemned the arrest of lawmakers and the filing of terrorism charges, calling it an unconstitutional and unjustified approach that suppressed peaceful protest.

He also stated that Mahmood Khan Achakzai had threatened a hunger strike in response to the PTI founder’s eye injury. While some improvement has been reported, continuous monitoring is still necessary. Abbas urged that Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Asim Yousuf be given access, and that the family and legal team be involved in ongoing care.

Abbas further noted that when lawyer Salman Safdar reported that 80% of the founder’s vision was affected, it caused widespread concern. He described delays in treatment as criminally negligent, emphasizing that while there has been some improvement, uncertainties remain.

Finally, Abbas said the PTI founder had sent a message requesting a meeting with Dr. Faisal Sultan. In light of the start of Ramadan, the sit-in has been concluded, but a detailed plan of action for the future will be finalized soon.