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PTI Rift Deepens as KP Chief Minister’s ‘Release Imran Khan Force’ Draws Federal Warning

The clash underscores a struggle over party control versus state authority.

Overview

  • The proposed ‘Release Imran Khan Force’ announced on February 18 remains non-operational and is framed as a peaceful street movement.
  • PTI’s Political Committee and senior officials are divided over authorization, with some insisting central approval is required while a KP aide says the chief minister’s announcement is sufficient.
  • Five senior PTI leaders jailed in Lahore urged deferring protests during Ramadan and prioritizing parliamentary and legal routes for Imran Khan’s treatment and rights.
  • Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called the plan unconstitutional, asserting only the federal government can create any force and warning that Sohail Afridi’s position is at risk.
  • Sohail Afridi outlined a formally registered body with a chain of command, oath-taking after Eid in Peshawar, and commanders chosen by Imran Khan, as some PTI figures urged dropping the word “force.”