ISLAMABAD – United Nations issued a stark warning over dire conditions in which Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi is reportedly being held in Adiala Jail, saying they could severely threaten her physical and mental health.
United Nations Special Rapporteur Alice Jill Edwards said it is state’s absolute responsibility to protect Bushra Bibi’s health and human dignity while in detention, urging Pakistani authorities to take immediate action. Bushra Bibi is allegedly confined in tiny, windowless cell with almost no ventilation, a situation that falls far below international standards for prisoner treatment.
The cell is reportedly filthy, unbearably hot, and infested with insects and rats. When electricity fails, the cell plunges into complete darkness, leaving her trapped in isolation, she said. Disturbing details from the statement claim that she is being provided with dirty drinking water, while the food is so heavily spiced that it is nearly inedible. These harsh conditions have allegedly caused her to lose approximately 15 kilograms, suffer repeated infections, and experience frequent fainting spells.
Alice stressd that “no prisoner should be subjected to extreme heat, contaminated food or water, or conditions that worsen pre-existing medical conditions.” She further stressed that Pakistan must consider age, gender, and health when determining detention conditions and locations.
UN also highlighted that Bushra Bibi is reportedly being held in excessive solitary confinement, often up to 22 hours a day, with severely limited access to the outside world. Edwards demanded that authorities ensure she has full access to legal counsel and the ability to meet with family members, maintaining meaningful human contact throughout her detention.
‘Imran, Bushra got all privileges’
Despite serious allegations, Pakistani government has not issued response. In contrast, government officials have previously claimed that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi receive more privileges than other prisoners.
Earlier this month, Edwards had also called on Pakistan to end Imran Khan’s solitary confinement immediately, citing similar concerns. In a statement released on December 12, she urged authorities to investigate and act on reports of inhumane and unfair treatment of the former Prime Minister.
Imran Khan’s legal team had already approached a UN special representative regarding allegations of mistreatment of both the former PM and his wife in jail, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
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