The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has asked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to submit a reply within 10 days regarding the reported formation of a group called the “Imran Khan Release Force.”
A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan heard a petition challenging the legality of the force. The court issued notices and directed the government to clearly explain its position on the matter.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that creating such a force could go beyond constitutional and legal limits. He presented documents and referred to media reports, saying the move could raise security and legal concerns.
The judges questioned whether the provincial cabinet had approved the formation of the group. The petitioner’s counsel responded that no cabinet approval had been granted.
The court observed that it is the responsibility of the federal government to ensure that no step is taken in violation of the law. The Chief Justice remarked that setting up a force connected to the release of a convicted person raises serious legal issues.
The lawyer also mentioned comments attributed to the chief minister, in which he reportedly spoke about facing “criminal elements.” The bench asked for further clarification on those remarks.
The hearing was later adjourned, and the court is expected to take up the matter again after receiving the chief minister’s response.
