UN experts raise alarm over health of detained Pakistani activist Idris Khattak

United Nations human rights experts have voiced grave concern over the worsening health of Pakistani activist Idris Khattak, warning that his condition has become life-threatening and calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

In a strongly worded statement, the experts urged Pakistan to comply with its international human rights obligations, stressing that Khattak has been unjustly detained for more than six years in connection with his peaceful exercise of fundamental freedoms.

They highlighted that his prolonged detention, coupled with inadequate access to essential medical treatment, poses serious risks to his life. An independent medical review of his records found that he is suffering from multiple untreated conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and a dental infection, with limited access to medication and care.

The experts underscored that Pakistan has a duty to safeguard the rights to life, health, and physical and mental integrity, particularly for individuals in custody. They warned that each additional day of detention compounds the alleged violations and further endangers his wellbeing.

Khattak has been the subject of repeated appeals by UN experts since his enforced disappearance in November 2019 and subsequent detention. Concerns have consistently been raised over what they describe as serious violations of due process, including an unfair trial and arbitrary imprisonment.

According to media reports, Khattak was sentenced to 14 years in prison in December 2021 after being convicted by a military court in a closed-door trial on charges of espionage.

In November 2025, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that his detention was arbitrary and violated his right to freedom of expression. It recommended his immediate release, along with compensation and accountability for the alleged violations.

However, the experts noted that the Pakistani authorities have yet to act on these recommendations and continue to hold him. They renewed their call for urgent action to secure his release and ensure he receives independent and timely medical care.

With IANS inputs