PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has announced the launch of a nationwide membership campaign for the “Imran Khan Release Peace Movement,” stating that the initiative will be expanded across the country in a structured manner.
Addressing a membership ceremony, he said that in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, 172 camps would be set up to facilitate organized enrollment. He further announced that a national lawyers’ jirga would be convened on April 10 at Nishtar Hall, followed by similar gatherings of farmers, labour groups, and other segments of society to broaden outreach and enhance public engagement.
The Chief Minister alleged that Imran Khan and his spouse are being unlawfully detained, claiming their cases have not been taken up for hearings for over a year, raising concerns about the rule of law and the justice system. He further stated that despite receiving a public mandate, Imran Khan was removed through manipulation and later imprisoned in what he termed politically motivated cases.
He said that all constitutional, legal, and democratic avenues had been exhausted to secure a meeting with the former prime minister. According to him, formal letters were sent to the federal government, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and superior courts, but no facilitation was provided.
The Chief Minister maintained that he approached Adiala Jail as the elected representative of 45 million people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but was denied access. He added that restrictions on movement, arrests of political workers, and limitations on elected representatives were narrowing the space for lawful political activity.
Reaffirming commitment to peaceful means, he said the Constitution guarantees the right to protest and stressed that all actions under the movement would remain non-violent and within legal bounds.
Highlighting what he described as systemic inequalities, the Chief Minister claimed there was a double standard in governance, alleging that while restrictions were imposed on him, privileges were extended elsewhere. He criticized the blocking of his passport and restrictions on his movement in Punjab, questioning what lawful options remain under such circumstances.
He further alleged discriminatory treatment, stating that while some individuals accused of corruption were given protocol and allowed to travel abroad, access to detained political leadership was being denied.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the broader political environment, warning that erosion of civil liberties and violations of citizens’ dignity were undermining public trust in institutions. He said that Imran Khan had provided the nation with political awareness and a clear vision, adding that leadership is defined by truth and integrity.
He pledged that he and his party leadership would remain steadfast, vowing not to retreat from their position. He urged supporters to prepare for a disciplined and peaceful movement, emphasizing that the issue goes beyond electoral politics and concerns the country’s future direction.
He also appreciated the participation of lawyers, political workers, women, and representatives from across the country, calling it a strong endorsement of the movement.
Condemning the arrest of Alia Hamza Malik, he termed it politically motivated and said such actions would not weaken the resolve of the movement.
