UN Committee Against Torture Raises Concerns Over Human Rights Situation in Pakistan

The United Nations Committee Against Torture has issued a report expressing serious concern regarding the human rights situation in Pakistan, citing allegations of torture, arbitrary detentions, and the mistreatment of political figures, activists, and Afghan refugees.

In its findings, the committee highlighted a pattern of threats, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial executions targeting human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, and political opponents. The report specifically drew attention to the detention conditions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, noting restricted access to necessary healthcare for them and other detained political activists.

The committee urged Pakistani authorities to immediately halt the mistreatment of Afghan refugees residing within the country. It further called on the government to conduct transparent investigations into the reported abuses, hold those responsible accountable, and guarantee that all detainees receive adequate medical care and legal protections.

The UN body emphasized that Pakistan must uphold its international obligations to prevent torture and ill-treatment, regardless of the individuals' political affiliations or national origins. The committee’s recommendations include implementing systemic reforms to ensure judicial oversight of detention facilities and establishing independent mechanisms to monitor law enforcement conduct.

Pakistani officials have not yet issued a formal response to the committee’s latest report. The findings add to ongoing international scrutiny of Islamabad’s domestic security policies and its treatment of minority and refugee populations.