February 16, 2026
By Ahmed Saeed
LAHORE
A report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment, Alice Jill Edwards, has raised serious concerns about the detention conditions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. The report, dated December 10, 2025, highlights that Khan, 72, has allegedly been subjected to prolonged solitary confinement and detention conditions that fall below international standards.
According to the report, Khan has been in detention since September 2023. He was first placed under house arrest by Punjab police in August 2023 and was later shifted to Attock Jail in mid-August, before being transferred to Adiala Jail in late September 2023. The Special Rapporteur notes that his detention may constitute arbitrary deprivation of liberty, referencing the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s Opinion No. 22/2024, which found Khan’s detention to be unlawful.
In Adiala Jail, Khan is reportedly held in a cell measuring 1.8 by 2.4 meters, just above the minimum standard of 3.4 square meters per prisoner set by the International Committee of the Red Cross, but below the single-room standard of six square meters recommended by the Council of Europe.
The cell contains a simple bed with a mattress, a small table and chair, and a makeshift open toilet, partially enclosed by a 1.2-meter wall without a roof or door. There are no windows or natural ventilation, and artificial lighting is insufficient. The report states that extreme temperatures and stagnant air have caused nausea, weight loss, and vomiting, while inadequate food and unclean water have exacerbated his health risks.
A central concern highlighted is Khan’s prolonged solitary confinement. He reportedly spends at least 23 hours per day isolated, with almost no meaningful contact with other prisoners, limited opportunities for outdoor exercise, and restricted participation in religious activities, including communal and Eid prayers. The report states that he is forced to pray alone under constant surveillance.
Visits by lawyers and family members were initially prohibited but were partially restored in October 2024 following an Islamabad High Court order. However, access remains heavily restricted, with officials frequently blocking entry to the prison and interrupting meetings in monitored rooms. Correspondence, newspapers, books, and television access are tightly controlled, limiting Khan’s access to information and mental stimulation.
The report also raises concerns about Khan’s medical care. He has a history of a severe spinal injury from 2013 and bullet wounds from an assassination attempt in 2022. Despite ongoing health issues, including dental problems, shoulder pain, and gastrointestinal concerns, he has allegedly been denied access to independent medical professionals, with visits from personal or external doctors reportedly blocked by prison officials.
The Special Rapporteur stresses that these conditions may constitute inhuman or degrading treatment under international law, including Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Articles 7 and 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention against Torture, all ratified by Pakistan. Prolonged solitary confinement is highlighted as a form of torture under UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, which prohibit isolation exceeding 22 hours per day or 15 consecutive days.
Edwards has formally requested the Government of Pakistan to provide detailed information on Khan’s detention conditions, the measures taken to ensure humane treatment, and the state of his physical and mental health. She also urged the government to guarantee timely medical care, allow lawful visits, and end prolonged isolation immediately. The report notes that the communication and any official response will be made public within 60 days.
This report adds to mounting international scrutiny over Khan’s detention, highlighting alleged physical and psychological pressures placed on him to suppress his political voice and criticism of the state.