A United Nations committee has raised serious concerns over the use of torture in Pakistan, specifically highlighting the cases of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and political activist Mahrang Baloch. The UN Committee against Torture issued a statement expressing alarm over reports of systematic torture and ill-treatment in the country.
Key Cases Highlighted
The committee pointed to the detention of Imran Khan, who has been held since his arrest in August 2023. His legal team has repeatedly alleged that he is being subjected to harsh conditions and psychological pressure. Similarly, Mahrang Baloch, a Baloch political activist, has been missing since her arrest in 2022, with reports suggesting she has been tortured in custody.
Committee's Demands
The UN body urged Pakistan to investigate all allegations of torture promptly and impartially. It called for immediate access to independent medical examinations for detainees and the prosecution of perpetrators. The committee also stressed the need for Pakistan to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, which allows for unannounced visits to detention facilities.
Broader Concerns
Beyond these high-profile cases, the committee expressed worry about the widespread use of torture in Pakistani prisons and police custody. It noted that laws against torture are often not enforced, and victims face intimidation when seeking justice. The committee recommended that Pakistan establish a national preventive mechanism to monitor places of detention.
Pakistan has not yet responded officially to the committee's statement. However, human rights organizations have welcomed the UN's intervention, calling it a crucial step toward ending impunity for torture in the country.
