Pakistan's defense minister calls KP's Imran Khan release force illegal

A fresh political standoff just escalated in Pakistan as talk of a Release Imran Khan Force triggered warnings from the federal defense leadership.

Asif slams KP chief minister's plan

• Khawaja Asif called the proposed force unconstitutional and illegal.
• He said only the federal government can raise such forces.
• Asif claimed Sohail Afridi floated it to protect his post.
• He dismissed rumors about sending Imran Khan abroad or to Bani Gala.

Afridi announces new movement

• Sohail Afridi revealed the plan after a Parliament House sit-in ended.
• He said Imran assigned him to lead a street movement.
• Afridi alleged that court orders were being ignored.
• He promised the force would follow a peaceful path.

Structure and launch details

• The force would be formally registered under clear command.
• Imran would decide who takes leadership roles.
• Members plan to take an oath in Peshawar after Eid al-Fitr.
• Preparations are set to finish before public action begins.

Imran Khan's legal status

• Imran Khan has been jailed since August 2023.
• He was detained after a corruption conviction in Lahore.
• Currently, he is held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
• PTI and TTAP lawmakers had staged a day-long protest earlier.