ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court on Wednesday directed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to submit a response within 10 days over the formation of a dedicated ‘force’ aimed at securing the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.
A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan, took up a petition filed against the establishment of the so-called Imran Khan Release Force, issuing formal notice to the provincial government and directing it to clarify its position on the matter.
The petitioner’s counsel contended before the court that the formation of such a force potentially conflicts with existing law and exceeds constitutional limits. The bench also questioned whether the provincial cabinet had granted approval for the force’s establishment, to which the petitioner’s lawyer replied in the negative, stating that no such authorisation had been obtained from the cabinet.
During the course of proceedings today, Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan observed that the formation of a dedicated force for a convicted individual raises serious legal questions, adding that the federal government must ensure no violation of the law takes place in this regard.
The court also took note of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s remarks in which he reportedly described himself as fighting against “robbers”, seeking further clarification from the provincial government on the statement.
Later, the bench subsequently adjourned the hearing until the next date, with the KP government now expected to file its formal response before the court within the stipulated 10-day period.
