A UN expert has criticised the detention conditions of Bushra Bibi, wife of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, citing unclean drinking water, frequent power cuts and prolonged isolation in jail. he criticism has added to growing international concern about her health and Pakistan’s treatment of political detainees
A United Nations (UN) expert has raised serious concerns about the detention conditions of Bushra Bibi Khan, the wife of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, saying they could pose a “serious risk” to her physical and mental well-being.
The criticism came in a statement from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and reflects growing international scrutiny of Pakistan’s treatment of political detainees.
Bushra Bibi is currently held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where, according to the UN press release, she has been detained in what are described as extremely substandard conditions. Bibi is reportedly confined to a small, airless cell that is described as filthy, overheated and infested with insects and rodents.
The prison food and water have also been criticised; detainees are said to be given unclean drinking water and meals spoiled by excessive chilli powder that some find inedible.
Health risks and isolation
These harsh conditions have allegedly taken a toll on Bushra Bibi’s health. The UN expert noted she has suffered significant weight loss, recurrent infections, fainting spells, and untreated medical issues including a tooth abscess and stomach ulcer.
The expert also raised alarms about her frequent near-total isolation, saying she is often confined for more than 22 hours a day—and in some cases for over ten days at a stretch— without access to exercise, reading material, legal counsel, family visits, or her personal physician.
“The State has an obligation to protect Mrs Khan’s health and ensure conditions of detention compatible with human dignity,” said Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture, as reported by ANI.
“No detainee should be exposed to extreme heat, contaminated food or water, or conditions that aggravate existing medical conditions,” she added.
Edwards urged Pakistani authorities to allow Bushra Bibi meaningful contact with her lawyers, family members and doctors. She warned that prolonged isolation could heighten psychological distress and impede access to essential safeguards normally granted to detainees.
Why is Bushra Bibi in jail?
Bushra Bibi’s detention is tied to multiple convictions, including a high-profile corruption case alongside Imran Khan. In a separate ruling, the pair were recently sentenced to lengthy prison terms in the Toshakhana-II case.
Pakistan has faced mounting pressure from political leaders and rights groups at home and abroad to improve detention conditions and uphold international human rights standards.
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