The sudden announcement surprised many party leaders and workers.

The announcement came on the eve of ramazan when the Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan TTAP ended its sit-in outside the Supreme Court. At the same venue, Afridi revealed that a special force would be formed to push for Imran Khan’s freedom.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said he learned about the idea only when Afridi publicly announced it. He explained that it might just be a proposal and that discussions would be held. He also questioned why a new force was needed when PTI already has bodies like the Insaf Students Federation ISF and the party’s youth wings.

However, Shafi Ullah Jan, an aide to the KP chief minister, said on a private TV show that once the chief minister had announced it, the force must be formed. He insisted there was no need for approval from the Political Committee or the secretary general.

Reports suggest the Political Committee meeting saw sharp differences. Some leaders believe the party’s existing structure is enough, while others think a new force could energize workers.

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Meanwhile, senior leaders jailed in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail — Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Umar Sarfraz Cheema and Mian Mahmood Rashid — urged the party to pause protests during ramazan. In a joint letter, they stressed respect for the holy month and called for focus on parliamentary politics instead.

They also asked the party to highlight serious national issues like terrorism, economic instability, inflation, poverty and unemployment.

The situation shows PTI is facing internal confusion at a sensitive time. Some want street pressure, others want political strategy. If unity is not restored, the Imran Khan release force plan may deepen cracks instead of strengthening the party.