The United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, has raised serious concerns regarding the detention conditions of Bushra Bibi Khan, the wife of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a statement released on Wednesday, Edwards urged Pakistani authorities to take immediate action to enhance Khan’s living conditions in accordance with international human rights standards.
Detention Conditions Under Scrutiny
According to Edwards, Bushra Khan is confined in a small cell that severely lacks basic hygiene and ventilation. The cell is frequently plunged into darkness due to power outages, and she has reportedly been provided with unclean water and inedible food. These conditions have led to significant weight loss and various health complications, including infections, fainting spells, and a stomach ulcer.
Furthermore, Edwards highlighted that Bushra Khan has been subjected to near-total isolation for extended periods. Authorities have restricted her access to family visits, legal counsel, and her personal physician, raising alarms about her physical and mental well-being. The UN rapporteur emphasized that such conditions could severely affect her integrity and health.
Edwards called upon the Pakistani government to rectify these issues promptly. She insisted on the need for improved detention conditions that would allow Khan to maintain communication with her legal representatives and family members. This, she argued, is vital to prevent further psychological and physical distress.
Legal Obligations and International Standards
The UN expert underscored that under international law, the state has an obligation to protect the health of detainees and provide all legal safeguards outlined in human rights law. She stated that any form of detention must respect the inherent dignity of individuals and prohibit any forms of torture or cruel treatment. According to the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, accommodations must meet health requirements and consider factors such as lighting, heating, and ventilation.
Bushra Bibi Khan is currently imprisoned following a series of criminal convictions, alongside her husband, Imran Khan. The most recent conviction occurred on December 22, 2023, when a court sentenced both to 17 years in prison for misappropriating state gifts. Earlier in January, Bushra Khan received a seven-year prison sentence in the Al-Qadir corruption case.
Since Imran Khan’s removal from office in 2022, both he and his wife have faced multiple criminal proceedings, which they assert are politically motivated. Imran Khan has been incarcerated since 2023, following convictions related to corruption and other charges. Earlier this month, the UN also expressed concerns regarding his detention conditions, warning that mistreatment could amount to torture.
The situation surrounding Bushra Bibi Khan has drawn significant international attention, with calls for the Pakistani authorities to ensure compliance with human rights obligations and to improve the conditions of all detainees.
