K-P CM Denies Existence of ‘Imran Khan Release Force’

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has denied the existence of any organization named the “Imran Khan Release Force,” stating that no such group has been formed, notified, or made operational.

In a statement submitted to the Federal Constitutional Court through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General, the chief minister said the alleged force has never existed in any official or unofficial capacity. He also clarified that no armed group, militia, or paramilitary organization has been established or proposed by the provincial government.

The response was filed in connection with a constitutional petition seeking a declaration that any such force would be unconstitutional and illegal if created. The petition contends that the formation of a private force would violate constitutional provisions as well as the Private Military Organisations (Abolition and Prohibition) Act, 1973.

The Federal Constitutional Court had earlier directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to submit his response regarding the allegations. The case is scheduled to be heard on July 29 by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan.

The provincial government’s submission maintains that any previous public references to the term “force” do not constitute evidence of an actual organization and have no legal or factual basis.