The UN Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, has issued a stark warning to Pakistan, urging immediate action after receiving reports that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is being held in detention conditions she described as inhumane, undignified, and potentially tantamount to torture. Edwards said Pakistan must bring Khan’s treatment into full compliance with international human rights standards.
According to the UN expert, since his transfer to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi in September 2023, Khan has been subjected to prolonged solitary confinement—reportedly locked in his cell for 23 hours a day, with minimal contact with the outside world and constant camera surveillance. Edwards emphasized that solitary confinement beyond 15 days is prohibited under international law and is recognized as a form of psychological torture.
Reports received by the Special Rapporteur describe harsh physical conditions: a small cell without natural light or proper ventilation, extreme temperatures in both winter and summer, foul odours, and insect infestations. Khan has allegedly suffered nausea, vomiting, and noticeable weight loss as a result. He is said to be denied outdoor activity, interaction with other detainees, and the ability to join communal prayers. Visits from lawyers and family members are frequently cut short.
Edwards stressed that all detainees must be treated with humanity and dignity, and that detention conditions must account for age and health. Khan, now 72, has significant medical issues, including a serious spinal injury from a 2013 accident and gunshot wounds from a 2022 assassination attempt. Despite this, the former prime minister has reportedly been denied adequate medical attention, prompting the UN to urge Pakistan to allow access for his personal physicians.
The Special Rapporteur confirmed she has raised Imran Khan’s case directly with the Pakistani government and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
