Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Launches ‘Freedom or Death’ Protests for Imran Khan’s Release, Pakistan on Edge

Tensions are escalating in Pakistan as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has called for mass protests demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Khan, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been imprisoned for nearly two years, and his detention has sparked widespread unrest in his stronghold province.

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the start of protests under the banner “Freedom or Death,” vowing to secure Khan’s release from the clutches of Pakistan’s establishment. Speaking to supporters, Afridi said, “Some are trying to instill fear in our hearts by threatening us with bullets, but let me make it clear—we are fighters for Imran Khan. They cannot stop us. We will follow Imran Khan’s policies, and only he will rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

Imran Khan enjoys massive grassroots support in KP, where even sustained efforts by the central government and military have failed to weaken PTI’s influence. His party candidates consistently secure overwhelming votes in the province, making it a critical bastion of political power. Analysts note that Khan’s relatively soft stance on the Tehreek-e-Taliban in the region has reinforced his support base despite the province’s ongoing struggle with terrorism.

International concern is mounting over Khan’s imprisonment conditions. UN human rights experts and global watchdogs have expressed alarm at his reported solitary confinement, describing it as bordering on psychological torture. Alice Jill Edwards, a UN Special Rapporteur, called on the Pakistani government to immediately intervene and end what she termed “inhuman and degrading” detention conditions.

Adding to the controversy, Khan’s former wife, Jemima Khan, alleged on social media platform X that the Pakistani government is restricting the reach of her posts to prevent the world from learning about Khan’s treatment in custody.

As protests begin in KP, Pakistan faces renewed political instability, raising fears of nationwide unrest. With his supporters declaring a no-compromise stance, the coming days could mark one of the most volatile periods in recent Pakistani politics.