Rodent-Infested Cell, Over Spicy Meals: UN Voices Concern Over Imran Khan’s Wife Bushra Bibi’s Detention, Asks Pak To Respect Human Rights | World News

Inhuman Prison Conditions in Pakistan: Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi has been held under harsh prison conditions since the former Pakistani prime minister’s arrest in August 2023. His incarceration, reportedly in a small, rodent-infested cell with limited light, dirty water and heavily spiced food, attracted international attention.

The United Nations intervened, warning that these conditions posed a threat to his physical and mental health, and called on Pakistani authorities to take immediate corrective action. Alice Jill Edwards, the UN special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, warned that the conditions could pose serious risks to his physical and mental health.

He emphasized that it was the responsibility of Pakistani authorities to ensure Bibi’s health, safety and dignity. He called on the government to take urgent steps to prevent any ill-treatment or violations of fundamental human rights during his detention.

Reports indicate that Bibi’s confinement was a small, poorly ventilated cell, infested with rodents and insects, unhygienic, occasionally unlit due to frequent power outages, and warmer than normal room temperature. The food provided is so spicy that it often becomes inedible, and drinking water is also reported to be contaminated.

These conditions contributed to weight loss of approximately 15 kilograms, repeated infections, fainting attacks and the development of ulcers.

Other reports indicate that Bibi spent more than 22 hours a day in almost complete isolation, sometimes for more than 10 days. During this time, he will not have access to exercise, reading materials, meetings with his lawyers, contact with his family, or personal doctor visits.

The UN special rapporteur emphasized that authorities should take into account the prisoner’s age, gender and health when determining the conditions and places of detention.

Edwards said exposing any prisoner to extreme heat, providing contaminated food or water or creating conditions that worsen pre-existing health conditions falls below international minimum standards.

He emphasized that Bibi must have meaningful access to her lawyers, family and humane contact throughout her detention. Extended isolation increases mental anguish and prevents access to necessary safety measures, he said. Combined with unmet medical needs, these conditions pose an immediate and serious risk.

The UN statement contributes to increased international scrutiny of Pakistan’s treatment of political prisoners, increasing pressure on the government to ensure humane detention conditions.