UN Declares Imran Khan's Jail Conditions Potential Torture

A United Nations human rights expert has issued a strong warning to Pakistan over the detention conditions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, cautioning that his treatment in prison could amount to torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment. The intervention comes at a time of heightened political instability, with Khan’s imprisonment remaining one of the most divisive issues in the country’s recent history.

In a statement released on Friday, Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture, urged Pakistani authorities to immediately bring Khan’s detention into line with international human rights standards. Khan, 72, has been held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since 26 September 2023 and is facing multiple legal cases. His supporters allege the charges are politically motivated, an accusation firmly rejected by the government and military establishment.

Edwards said she had received “credible information” indicating that Khan has been subjected to prolonged solitary confinement, reportedly spending up to 23 hours a day alone under constant camera surveillance. International law prohibits extended isolation, and confinement exceeding 15 days may constitute psychological torture. She called for the immediate lifting of Khan’s solitary confinement due to its severe mental and physical health risks.

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The UN expert also expressed concern that Khan has allegedly been denied outdoor exercise, social interaction, and participation in communal prayers. Access to lawyers and family members, even when approved by courts, has reportedly been restricted or abruptly interrupted. Such limitations, Edwards noted, undermine basic detainee rights and due process guarantees.

Additionally, serious questions were raised about the physical conditions of Khan’s cell, described as cramped, poorly ventilated, and lacking natural light. Reports of extreme temperatures, foul odours, and insect infestations have allegedly led to nausea, vomiting, and noticeable weight loss. Edwards stressed that detention conditions must respect human dignity and consider a prisoner’s age and health status.

Highlighting Khan’s history of significant medical issues—including a spinal injury and gunshot wounds from a 2022 assassination attempt—Edwards warned that he may have been denied adequate medical care. She urged Pakistani authorities to allow regular visits by his personal physicians. Concluding her statement, Edwards confirmed that she has formally raised the matter with the Government of Pakistan and will continue monitoring the case amid growing international scrutiny of the country’s human rights record.

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