A United Nations human rights expert has warned that the detention conditions of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan may amount to psychological torture, citing prolonged solitary confinement, constant surveillance and restricted access to lawyers and family members.
In a statement issued on Friday, Alice Jill Edwards, the UN special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, urged Pakistani authorities to take immediate action to address reports of what she described as inhumane and undignified conditions faced by the 73-year-old political leader.
“I call on Pakistani authorities to ensure that Khan’s conditions of detention fully comply with international norms and standards,” Edwards said.
According to information received by her office, Khan has been held in near-total isolation since his transfer to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on September 26, 2023.
Rawalpindi is a garrison city neighbouring Islamabad, and Adiala Jail is one of Pakistan’s highest-security prisons, frequently used to hold political detainees and other high-profile prisoners.
Edwards said Khan is reportedly confined to his cell for up to 23 hours a day, with highly restricted contact with the outside world. His cell is said to be under constant camera surveillance, raising serious concerns about privacy, dignity and mental wellbeing.
The UN expert warned that prolonged or indefinite solitary confinement is prohibited under international human rights law. Under UN standards, solitary confinement lasting more than 15 consecutive days may amount to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
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“Khan’s solitary confinement should be lifted without delay,” Edwards said. “Not only is it an unlawful measure, extended isolation can bring about very harmful consequences for his physical and mental health.”
She added that detention conditions must take into account an individual’s age and health, including access to adequate space, ventilation, natural light and appropriate sleeping arrangements.
“Anyone deprived of liberty must be treated with humanity and dignity,” she said.
Edwards also raised concerns over reports that visits by Khan’s lawyers and relatives are frequently interrupted or ended prematurely, limiting his ability to prepare legal defences and maintain meaningful contact with his family.
Khan’s supporters say prison authorities tightened restrictions after a recent social media post attributed to him, in which he accused Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, of persecuting him and his political party.
Pakistan’s military has not publicly commented on the allegations, but has consistently denied involvement in political repression or interference in civilian politics.
Imran Khan is one of Pakistan’s most recognisable public figures. Before entering politics, he was a celebrated international cricketer who captained Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, an achievement that made him a national hero.
He later founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party and became Prime Minister in 2018 after campaigning on an anti-corruption platform. His government was removed in April 2022 following a parliamentary vote of no confidence.
Since his removal from office, Khan’s relationship with Pakistan’s powerful military establishment has deteriorated sharply. He has been arrested and jailed in connection with multiple corruption-related cases, all of which he denies.
Khan has accused the military and interim authorities of orchestrating his ouster and of targeting his party through arrests, prosecutions and restrictions on media coverage.
Edwards said Khan is being held in a small cell that reportedly lacks adequate natural light and ventilation, conditions that may pose serious risks to his health, particularly given his age.
She confirmed that she has formally raised Khan’s case with the Pakistani government, seeking clarification and urging compliance with international human rights obligations, including the absolute prohibition of torture.
Pakistan is a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture, which prohibits torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under all circumstances, regardless of a detainee’s political status or alleged offences.
UN special rapporteurs are independent human rights experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are not UN employees and do not speak on behalf of the United Nations as an institution. Their role is to monitor, investigate and report on alleged human rights violations worldwide.
While their findings are not legally binding, they carry significant international weight and are frequently referenced by governments, courts and rights organisations in assessing compliance with global human rights standards.
Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the UN statement.
