International Scrutiny on Pakistan Over Imran Khan’s Detention

UN Raises Human Rights Concerns on Solitary Confinement in Pakistan

Pakistan is facing intensified international scrutiny over allegations regarding the detention conditions of former prime minister Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Human rights organisations, opposition figures, and international institutions have expressed concern that his prolonged isolation may violate international human rights norms and amount to psychological harm.

Concerns Over Detention Conditions
According to representations made by Khan’s legal team and supporters, he has been held in near-complete isolation since his transfer to Adiala Jail in September 2023. Reports suggest he remains confined to his cell for most of the day, with minimal access to visitors, legal advisers, or outdoor activity. Requests for meetings by party members are said to have been rejected, with authorities citing security-related reasons. These claims have fuelled debate within Pakistan over due process and detainee rights.

United Nations Response
The controversy escalated after the UN Special Rapporteur on torture , Alice Jill Edwards, raised the issue with Pakistani authorities. She reiterated that prolonged solitary confinement is prohibited under international law and warned that isolation extending beyond 15 days may constitute psychological torture. Her intervention has drawn global attention to Pakistan’s compliance with international human rights obligations.

Health, Legal Access and Political Impact
Additional concerns relate to Khan’s health, given his age and reported medical history, including injuries from a 2022 assassination attempt. Allegations of inadequate medical access have further intensified criticism. While the government maintains that restrictions are necessary for security, critics argue that the measures are politically driven, deepening political polarisation in the country.

Diplomatic and Reputational Stakes
The issue has resonated internationally, with advocacy groups and foreign observers warning of reputational consequences for Pakistan. As pressure mounts, Islamabad faces calls to align detention practices with global human rights standards.

Exam-Oriented Points

• Imran Khan was Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018–2022.

• Solitary confinement beyond 15 days is restricted under UN norms.

• The UN Special Rapporteur on torture monitors compliance with anti-torture laws.

• Adiala Jail is a high-security prison in Rawalpindi.