Tehreek-e-Insaf Urges an End to Imran Khan’s Solitary Confinement Following UN Rapporteur’s Findings
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has raised grave concerns following a recent report by United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards. The report claims that Imran Khan, the party founder and former Prime Minister, is experiencing severe mistreatment during his imprisonment at Adiala Jail. PTI’s statements reflect an urgent need for improved conditions for Khan, citing allegations of political victimization and inhumane treatment.
UN Rapporteur’s Findings on Imran Khan’s Treatment
Released on December 15, the UN report supports PTI’s long-held assertions regarding Khan’s detention conditions. The findings indicate that the current environment may constitute degrading treatment, urging Pakistani authorities to adhere to international human rights standards.
Detention Conditions Highlighted
- Prolonged solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day.
- Constant CCTV surveillance with isolation from external contact.
- Challenges in accessing legal counsel and familial visits.
- Restrictions on religious practices and denial of basic necessities.
PTI emphasizes that these conditions violate both prison regulations and international human rights laws. The organization referenced UN standards stating that solitary confinement over 15 days amounts to psychological torture. Reports suggest that Khan has been subjected to such conditions for several months.
Health Concerns of Imran Khan
At 72 years old, Imran Khan has significant medical issues, including a spinal injury and wounds from a prior assassination attempt. PTI argues that exposing him to harsh treatment while denying adequate medical care constitutes deliberate cruelty.
In light of the UN findings, PTI is calling for:
- An end to solitary confinement.
- Conditions aligned with human dignity and international norms.
- Unrestricted access to personal medical professionals.
- Removal of barriers to meeting with legal representatives and family.
PTI asserts that the ongoing situation transcends politics and serves as a benchmark for Pakistan’s dedication to law, justice, and human rights. They caution that continued mistreatment could be perceived as state-sponsored violence.
Official Response
Conversely, Rana Ihsan Afzal, an aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, rebutted the UN report’s findings. He contended that Imran Khan is being treated according to established prison regulations, noting there are no communication restrictions with his children as long as formal requests are submitted.
Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023, serving a sentence related to a EUR 190 million corruption case and facing additional charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act linked to the protests on May 9, 2023. Concerns about the health of both Imran Khan and his wife have been frequently voiced by PTI. Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, has raised fears that the authorities might be withholding essential information regarding his father’s health.
