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PTI Drops ‘Imran Khan Release Force’ Plan After Legal Concerns
PTI scraps “Imran Khan Release Force” plan over legal concerns, shifting to a peaceful political movement led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-30
PTI Drops ‘Imran Khan Release Force’ Plan After Legal Concerns

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has abandoned its proposed plan to establish an “Imran Khan Release Force” following internal opposition and legal concerns, marking a significant setback for the party’s hardline faction.

The initiative, initially announced before Ramadan by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, aimed to mobilize party workers for the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. The proposal included administering oaths to volunteers and formally registering members under a structured setup.

However, the plan quickly ran into resistance within the party. PTI Chairman Gauhar Ali Khan strongly opposed the idea, terming it unconstitutional and warning that such a formation could be interpreted as militancy.

Following extensive internal consultations, the PTI leadership decided to scrap the concept entirely. The party has now shifted its focus toward launching a broader, inclusive political movement that will remain open to all supporters without any formal structure resembling a “force” or requiring oath-taking.

Sources indicate that the revised strategy emphasizes a gradual, peaceful, and democratic approach centered on street mobilization. The party has explicitly rejected any association with violence or militant-style organization.

In a notable development, the authority to decide the timing and nature of protests has been reassigned. Instead of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, these decisions will now be taken by the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

Party insiders revealed that the decision follows detailed consultations not only within PTI but also with allied opposition parties, aiming to build a unified and cautious strategy moving forward.

Senior leaders have stressed the importance of avoiding a repeat of past unrest, including the May 9 riots and clashes during protests in Islamabad in late 2024. They have assured that any future movement will strictly adhere to constitutional limits and remain peaceful.

The shift from a structured “force” to a conventional political movement is widely seen as a victory for the more pragmatic elements within PTI, signaling a move away from aggressive tactics toward a more measured and legally compliant approach.
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