ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched a nationwide membership drive to campaign for the release of its jailed founder Imran Khan, despite objections from senior party leaders.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi formally launched the campaign by filling out membership forms alongside party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, and provincial president Junaid Akbar.
The campaign aims to mobilize supporters across the country for Khan’s release.
PTI said Afridi had earlier proposed forming an “Imran Khan Release Force” to lead a street movement. The proposal faced internal resistance. The party later renamed it as a membership drive. However, Afridi continues to refer to it as a “force.”
Afridi said he launched the movement on Khan’s instructions. He has already toured three provinces to build support. He said the campaign will organize and accelerate efforts for Khan’s release.
A senior PTI leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Khan wants a nationwide street campaign, including protests and demonstrations.
The leader said former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur opposed confrontation and supported negotiations. In contrast, Afridi favors protest politics.
The source added that Afridi is acting on Khan’s messages and advice from his sisters. He said the strategy aims to increase pressure on the government and state institutions.
Youth Mobilization Plan
Party officials said the campaign will recruit young supporters nationwide. These recruits will form the front line of protests and mobilize people at the grassroots level.
They will lead demonstrations, remove obstacles, and confront law enforcement if required, officials said.
Criticism and Legal Concerns
PTI has described the campaign as peaceful. However, analysts warned that forming a dedicated group within a political party could signal escalation.
Barrister Gohar has already opposed the idea. He said the constitution does not allow political parties to create such “forces.”
Analysts said changing the name does not change the intent. Senior journalist Arif Hayat said political parties should pursue peaceful struggle. “Carrying sticks or weapons and opting for confrontation is not the way of political parties,” he said.
He warned that PTI risks turning into an uncontrollable crowd if mobilized on the streets.
Journalist Shahab Rehman said the campaign could benefit PTI if limited to awareness and peaceful mobilization. But he warned that emotional youth could escalate tensions if violence occurs.
Past Precedent
This is not the first time PTI has formed a volunteer group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the party created the Tiger Force to assist with public awareness, price monitoring, and aid distribution. The initiative also faced criticism.
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Analysts said PTI may again use a structured group to pursue political objectives, possibly with backing from the provincial government.
Campaign Rollout
PTI launched the membership drive in Peshawar on Friday. Afridi is leading the effort.
The party plans to set up more than 170 registration camps across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It aims to expand the campaign to other provinces in the coming weeks.
