With the PTI all set to start registration for the ‘Imran Khan Release Movement’ after Eid, several party leaders believe the protest should be launched immediately rather than ‘wasting time’ on membership drives.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had announced the formation of the Imran Khan release force in February after a days-long protest to secure a meeting with Mr Khan failed to budge the government.
CM Afridi had said that the force would work to secure relief for the jailed founder. The announcement, however, had divided the party leaders, who initially questioned the rationale for the release force. Last week, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja announced that they would start the registration for this force after Eid.
Speaking to Dawn on condition of anonymity, the party leaders appeared restive about the decision. They said it was the right time to start the protest for the release of Mr Khan rather than “wasting precious time” in the registration drive and oath-taking ceremonies.
In a comment on Mr Raja’s press conference, a senior party leader said it was strange that the PTI secretary general held the presser alongside leaders from KP.
“There was no representation of Punjab and Sindh in that presser, which raised many an eyebrow. On the other hand, Sohail Afridi has been saying in party meetings that he will start the registration of workers and then their oath-taking will be held, and finally, a movement will be started. It seems even he is not clear what he will do. So we have been forced to think that it is nothing but a time-buying tactic,” he added. He said the PTI already had so many wings, which should be mobilised to secure the release of Mr Khan.
