The wife of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has filed a harrowing complaint with the United Nations, alleging systematic torture and mistreatment during her detention.
Bushra Bibi, through her lawyer and brother Kasim Khan, has submitted a formal appeal to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Ms. Alice Jill Edwards. The dossier outlines a series of alleged human rights violations, claiming her treatment in jail has been "vindictive and intolerable."
A Plea for International Intervention
The complaint urgently calls for the UN to pressure the Pakistani government into allowing an independent medical examination by international doctors. This examination is deemed critical to document the physical and psychological effects of the alleged abuse and to ensure her safety moving forward.
Kasim Khan, acting as her counsel, stated that all domestic legal avenues have been exhausted, leaving an international appeal as the only remaining option to secure justice and protection for his sister.
Details of the Alleged Mistreatment
The filing presents a grave picture of Bushra Bibi's imprisonment. Key allegations include:
- Psychological Torment: Being held in a solitary cell with no access to fresh air or sunlight.
- Health Negligence: A deliberate denial of necessary medical care and assessments.
- Substandard Conditions: Being served inedible and contaminated food, raising serious health concerns.
Her legal team asserts that these conditions are not merely punitive but constitute a deliberate attempt to inflict physical and mental harm.
Broader Political Context
This case is set against a backdrop of intense political turmoil in Pakistan. Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, remains incarcerated on multiple charges, which his supporters claim are politically motivated.
The treatment of Bushra Bibi is seen by many allies as an extension of the crackdown on PTI and its leadership, further straining the country's political landscape and drawing scrutiny from global human rights observers.
