Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning regarding the political future of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, suggesting that his position is precarious following the announcement of a new force aimed at securing the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Asif criticized the formation of this so-called “Release Imran Khan Force,” labeling it unconstitutional and illegal under Pakistan’s laws. He emphasized that no entity other than the federal government holds the authority to establish such a force, thereby implicitly questioning the legality of Afridi’s move.
In a detailed statement, Khawaja Asif conveyed that the KP chief minister’s decision to create this force appeared to be a desperate attempt to safeguard his political standing amid mounting pressures. He underscored that the federal government remains the sole body empowered to authorize any official security or enforcement units, and any parallel formations risk undermining the constitutional framework. This development has added a new layer of tension to the already volatile political landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and across the country.
Meanwhile, the Defence Minister also addressed swirling rumors about the potential relocation of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), either abroad or to his residence in Bani Gala, Islamabad. Asif clarified that no formal discussions had taken place regarding such moves. He suggested that while there might have been informal approaches concerning the provision of certain facilities, these were not official plans. He further hinted that some political actors might be using these rumors as a strategy to maintain their relevance and political leverage during this turbulent period.
These remarks from Khawaja Asif came shortly after KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi publicly announced the creation of the “Release Imran Khan Force” on February 18. This announcement followed the abrupt end of a prolonged sit-in protest at Parliament House in Islamabad, which was led by PTI lawmakers and members of the multi-party opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aiyeen Pakistan (TTAP). The sit-in had been a significant political event, drawing national attention to the plight of the imprisoned former prime minister, who has been in custody since August 2023.
At a press conference held outside the Supreme Court, Afridi revealed that he had been entrusted by Imran Khan himself to spearhead a “street movement” aimed at securing the former leader’s release. Afridi accused the judiciary of disregarding court orders and claimed that Khan was being denied access to his personal medical doctors, raising serious concerns about his health and treatment while incarcerated. These allegations have intensified the political debate surrounding Khan’s detention and the broader struggle for democratic rights in Pakistan.
Further elaborating on the force’s structure, Afridi stated that it would be officially registered and committed to pursuing its objectives through peaceful means. He announced that the members of this force would take an oath in Peshawar immediately after Eidul-Fitr, signaling a formal and organized approach to the movement. The force would operate under a clear chain of command, with Imran Khan himself having the authority to appoint key leadership positions within the group. Afridi stressed that all necessary preparations would be completed before any public actions or protests were launched.
Afridi, the overarching aim of this movement is to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution, defend democratic principles, and protect the independence of the media. This initiative reflects the deepening political polarization in Pakistan, where questions of governance, rule of law, and civil liberties continue to dominate national discourse. The unfolding situation in KP and Islamabad is likely to have significant implications for the country’s political stability in the coming months.
