Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced the creation of an “Imran Khan Release Force” to campaign for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.
The 73-year-old ex-cricketer has been imprisoned since August 2023 after convictions in multiple cases he says were politically motivated following his removal from office through a parliamentary vote in 2022.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announces formation of ‘Imran Khan Release Force’ to struggle for Imran Khan’s release. The force will have a proper training and a proper chain of command. pic.twitter.com/CRdnsG2dWV
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) February 18, 2026
PTI has intensified its push after a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan indicated that Khan retains only 15% vision in his right eye. Government officials maintain that he is receiving proper medical care.
Read more: Pakistan compensates families of victims in mosque suicide attack
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that PTI leaders and Khan’s personal physicians were satisfied with the treatment, while accusing his sister, Aleema Khan, of politicising the matter.
Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Sohail Afridi, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a close Khan ally, said he had been tasked by the jailed PTI founder to lead a “street movement.” He alleged that court directives were being ignored and claimed Khan still lacked access to his personal doctors.
Afridi said the newly announced force would be formally registered and would pursue a peaceful campaign. Members are expected to take an oath in Peshawar after Eid ul Fitr. He added that the organisation would operate under a defined chain of command, with leadership roles to be determined by Khan, and that preparations would be completed before launching any movement.
According to Afridi, the campaign will focus on upholding constitutional supremacy, democracy, and media independence.
