UN Rights Experts Raise Alarm Over Health of Idris Khattak
Synopsis
UN experts express grave concern over the health of Idris Khattak, a Pakistani activist. They demand his immediate release from unjust detention, highlighting urgent medical needs and violations of human rights.
Key Takeaways
UN Experts express serious concerns over the health of Idris Khattak.
Call for immediate release due to unjust detention .
Highlight urgent need for medical care .
Khattak has been detained for over six years .
UN emphasizes Pakistan's responsibility to uphold human rights.
Geneva, April 3 (NationPress) A group of United Nations human rights specialists has raised alarming concerns regarding the critical and deteriorating health of Pakistani human rights advocate Idris Khattak. They are urging the government of Pakistan to promptly release him from his unlawful detention, emphasizing the urgent requirement for medical attention and safeguarding his fundamental rights.
“Pakistan must cease its negligence and adhere to its international human rights commitments by immediately and unconditionally releasing Khattak, who has been unlawfully held for over six years for exercising his freedoms. The conditions of his prolonged detention and the alleged denial of essential medication and treatment, particularly for Khattak’s pressing health issues, pose serious risks to his life,” cautioned the UN experts.
Referencing evaluations by an independent international medical professional who examined Khattak’s health documentation, the experts warned that his health and survival are in jeopardy due to the current detention circumstances characterized by inadequate access to medication, medical services, and the ongoing neglect of his diabetes, hypertension, and dental issues.
“The government of Pakistan is mandated to uphold the rights to life, physical and mental integrity, and health, particularly for individuals deprived of their liberty. Each additional day of Khattak’s wrongful detention exacerbates the violations he endures and those of Pakistan's international human rights duties. This situation must cease. Khattak must be released without delay and given immediate access to independent medical care,” the experts emphasized.
The UN specialists have consistently advocated for Khattak's release since his forced disappearance in November 2019 and his subsequent imprisonment.
They have communicated extensively with the Pakistani authorities concerning what they describe as “grave violations” of his human rights, including an unfair trial, unjust military court sentencing, and arbitrary detention.
Local media reports indicate that Khattak received a 14-year prison sentence in December 2021 after being convicted in a secret military tribunal.
“Khattak was found guilty of espionage and leaking classified information by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM), receiving a rigorous 14-year sentence,” cited a source from the Pakistani daily Dawn post-conviction.
In November 2025, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention confirmed that Khattak has been detained arbitrarily, violating his freedom of expression. It articulated that “the appropriate remedy would be to release Khattak immediately and grant him enforceable rights to compensation and reparations” while ensuring accountability for the abuses he has suffered.
“Regrettably, the government of Pakistan has not responded and continues to detain Khattak, blatantly violating its obligations. Pakistan must act without further delay to safeguard Khattak’s health and life,” the experts concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the ongoing human rights concerns surrounding Idris Khattak's situation. The international community is closely monitoring Pakistan's adherence to human rights obligations, particularly in cases of unjust detention. Ensuring respect for human dignity and fundamental rights remains a priority.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Idris Khattak?
Idris Khattak is a Pakistani human rights defender who has been detained since November 2019.
Why are UN experts concerned about Khattak?
They are alarmed by his deteriorating health condition and call for his immediate release from unjust detention.
What has the Pakistani government been accused of?
The government has been accused of violating international human rights obligations by detaining Khattak unlawfully and denying him medical care.
What is the current status of Khattak's detention?
Khattak remains in detention, having been sentenced to 14 years in a military court following a secret trial.
What actions have UN experts taken regarding Khattak's case?
UN experts have repeatedly called for Khattak's release and highlighted various human rights violations associated with his detention.
