The United Nations has urged Pakistan to release activist Idris Khattak, highlighting health risks and legal obligations under international law. UN human rights experts have expressed grave concern over his continued detention and the reported lack of medical care, citing a range of health issues including diabetes, hypertension, and a dental infection. An independent medical assessment underscores symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes, which officials link to restricted access to necessary treatment and medication.
The UN’s call for Khattak’s release comes amid reports from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that access to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Adiala Jail was denied, despite court-authorized visitation rights. PTI officials were reportedly stopped at the Dhagil check post during a designated visit time, prompting concerns about legal access to detainees.
Khattak’s situation dates back to his enforced disappearance in November 2019, culminating in a military court sentencing him to 14 years for espionage in a closed trial. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared his detention unlawful in November 2025, recommending immediate release and compensation, but Pakistani authorities have yet to act on this guidance. According to reports, the UN has now emphasized Pakistan’s duty to uphold rights related to life, health, and physical integrity of those in custody.
The broader context includes mounting international scrutiny over Pakistan’s adherence to human rights standards, with continued detention potentially exacerbating these concerns. The UN statement calls into question not only the conditions of Khattak’s detention but also broader patterns in the country’s handling of political detainees and their rights.
Amid these developments, PTI leader Seemabia Tahir highlighted that the names of the party representatives were pre-approved for the jail visit, raising questions regarding the adherence to domestic legal processes. As the situation unfolds, Pakistan faces intensifying pressure to align its actions with both international expectations and its legal responsibilities.