The Federal Constitutional Court has issued a notice to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, seeking a response regarding the proposed formation of a “Imran Khan release force,” the court confirmed on Wednesday.
A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard a petition challenging the establishment of the release force. The petitioner’s lawyer submitted relevant documents and evidence to the court.
During the hearing, the lawyer cited statements attributed to Chief Minister Afridi, including remarks that “our competition is with robbers.” References were also made to legal articles concerning threats and a previous Karachi High Court ruling on law and order.
Court questions legality and cabinet approval
Justice Ali Baqar Najafi questioned whether the provincial cabinet had authorized the formation of the force. The petitioner’s lawyer confirmed that no such approval had been granted.
The court stressed that the federal government must ensure the law is upheld and no special provisions violate legal norms.
Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan remarked that special forces should not be formed for convicted individuals, highlighting concerns over potential misuse or violation of law.
The court has requested Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to respond within 10 days regarding the justification and legality of forming such a release force.
