PTI Calls for End to Imran Khan’s ‘Solitary Confinement’ After UN Expert’s Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday demanded an immediate end to what it described as the “solitary confinement” of party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, following the release of a report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture raising concerns over his treatment in Adiala Jail.

In a report issued on Friday, UN Special Rapporteur Alice Jill Edwards stated that the conditions under which Imran Khan is being held could “amount to inhuman or degrading treatment” and urged Pakistani authorities to comply with international norms and standards governing the treatment of prisoners.

Reacting to the report, PTI’s Central Media Department said the findings confirmed the party’s longstanding claims that Imran Khan was being subjected to degrading and unlawful treatment driven by political motives. The party alleged that the former prime minister has been kept in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day, placed under constant CCTV surveillance, denied regular contact with family and legal counsel, restricted from religious practices, and deprived of basic facilities.

The PTI further cited the UN’s position that solitary confinement exceeding 15 days constitutes psychological torture, claiming that Imran Khan has been subjected to such conditions for several months. The statement added that the treatment of a 72-year-old with reported medical issues, including a spinal injury and wounds from a previous assassination attempt, amounted to deliberate cruelty, particularly in light of what it termed inadequate medical care.

The party demanded the immediate cessation of solitary confinement, detention conditions consistent with human dignity, unrestricted access to personal doctors, and full compliance with court orders regarding meetings with lawyers and family members. PTI warned that continued treatment of this nature would raise serious questions about Pakistan’s commitment to the rule of law and human rights.

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However, the allegations were rejected by Prime Minister’s aide Rana Ihsan Afzal, who dismissed the UN rapporteur’s findings and insisted that Imran Khan is being treated in accordance with prison rules and the jail manual. He said there were no restrictions imposed by the government on contact with his children, adding that requests must follow established procedures.

Afzal further stated that Imran Khan is receiving facilities exceeding those permitted to a B-class prisoner, including exercise, adequate food and sufficient living space.

Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 and is currently serving a sentence in the £190 million corruption case. He also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the May 9, 2023 protests.

Concerns over his health have been periodically raised by the PTI and family members, though his sister Uzma Khanum said earlier this month that he was physically well, while alleging he was under mental stress due to prolonged isolation.