The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is once again grappling with internal discord following Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s unexpected declaration to establish a special “force” aimed at securing the release of party founder Imran Khan. This development comes on the heels of earlier disagreements within the party concerning Khan’s health, further exposing cracks in the party’s unity as Ramadan approaches.
Just before the start of the holy month, the Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) abruptly called off its prolonged sit-in outside the Supreme Court, signaling a temporary pause in street protests. However, Afridi’s announcement at the same venue about creating a dedicated force to facilitate Imran Khan’s release caught many party members by surprise. The move has ignited a debate within PTI ranks about the necessity and legality of such a force, especially given the existence of established party wings like the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) and PTI Youth Wings, which traditionally mobilize supporters.
During a televised discussion, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram expressed that he was unaware of Afridi’s plan until the public announcement was made. He suggested that the proposal might be an individual initiative by Afridi and emphasized that it would require thorough discussion within the party’s Political Committee. Akram highlighted that since Afridi himself mentioned that members from existing party wings would be part of this new force, it raised questions about whether an additional body was truly necessary. He insisted that any such formation must receive formal approval from the Political Committee or the party’s Secretary General, Salman Akram Raja, to maintain organizational coherence.
Contrasting this cautious stance, Shafi Ullah Jan, an aide to the KP chief minister, argued that Afridi’s announcement effectively meant the force would be established without needing prior endorsement from the Political Committee or the Secretary General. On a popular talk show, Jan expressed confusion over Akram’s insistence on formal approval, stressing that since Afridi had publicly declared the plan, it was inevitable that the force would come into existence. He added that while the party would be consulted during the process, the chief minister had been entrusted by Imran Khan himself with leading the street movement, and if Afridi believed this force would aid in mobilizing supporters, it would proceed regardless.
Jan also revealed that the idea of forming this force was discussed during the PTI Political Committee meeting held on Thursday, although he refrained from providing further details. It is understood that the committee remains sharply divided on the issue, with many members questioning the need for a new force when the party already maintains a comprehensive organizational structure and multiple youth wings actively engaged in political activism.
Meanwhile, five senior PTI leaders currently imprisoned in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail have urged the party to halt all protest activities during Ramadan. In a joint letter addressed to the media, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, and Mian Mahmood Rashid called for a shift in focus towards parliamentary politics during the sacred month. They appealed for respect towards the sanctity of Ramadan by suspending street protests temporarily and demanded that the government cease politicizing Imran Khan’s health issues. The leaders stressed that Khan’s medical treatment should be managed in consultation with his sisters and personal doctors to ensure transparency and dignity.
The letter also condemned recent remarks made by President Asif Ali Zardari against Imran Khan, describing them as inappropriate for someone holding the highest constitutional office. The imprisoned leaders praised Khan’s resilience, noting that he was enduring incarceration with dignity despite harsh circumstances. They urged the PTI leadership to intensify legal efforts to secure proper medical care for Khan and to maintain regular communication between party officials, lawyers, family members, and the former prime minister.
Furthermore, the jailed leaders called on the TTAP to adopt a more proactive role within parliament, utilizing legislative tools to highlight what they described as the government’s poor performance. They proposed that the party’s core and political committees, appointed by Imran Khan, should engage in detailed discussions about the worsening political climate and make decisions based on consensus or, if that fails, by majority vote. They emphasized that all party communications with the media and public should be coordinated through the chairman, secretary general, and information secretary to ensure a unified message.
Highlighting the need for organizational revival, the letter urged PTI office-bearers at all levels to reorganize and energize the party’s grassroots network in preparation for upcoming local government elections. The leaders stressed the importance of activating all party wings to build a disciplined and dynamic organization capable of sustaining an effective political struggle. They also called attention to pressing national issues such as deteriorating security, rising terrorism, economic instability, inflation, poverty, unemployment, increasing numbers of out-of-school children, unchecked population growth, and persistent corruption at various levels of government.
In a related development, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif publicly criticized KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s plan, warning that Afridi’s position was at risk due to his announcement of the so-called “Release Imran Khan Force.” Asif labeled the initiative unconstitutional and illegal, asserting that only the federal government holds the authority to establish such forces. He dismissed rumors about any plans to move Imran Khan abroad or to his Islamabad residence in Bani Gala, clarifying that discussions, if any, were limited to providing facilities rather than relocation. Asif suggested that some individuals might be attempting to safeguard their political relevance through such controversial moves.
As the PTI navigates these internal disputes and external pressures, the party’s future strategy remains uncertain. The contrasting views between Afridi’s camp and other senior leaders underscore the challenges facing PTI as it seeks to maintain cohesion while responding to the evolving political landscape and the ongoing situation surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment and health.
