Islamabad, Dec 17 (NationPress) The recent actions of Pakistani authorities, characterized by the aggressive deployment of high-pressure water cannons against peaceful demonstrators outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, represent a blatant infringement on the right to peaceful assembly, as stated by Amnesty International on Wednesday.

The demonstrators were protesting the ongoing denial of court-sanctioned visits to Imran Khan, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, who is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail.

According to the human rights group, a peaceful sit-in held outside the jail was once again forcibly dispersed on Tuesday night using water cannons, which participants claimed contained chemical irritants. Amnesty International emphasized that international human rights standards permit the use of water cannons solely in cases of severe public disorder and widespread violence.

In condemning the incident, Amnesty International asserted that the Pakistani authorities must uphold the public's right to engage in peaceful protest and cease the excessive and punitive application of force.

“These actions provoke serious concerns regarding the safety of peaceful demonstrators and the authorities' disregard for court orders. Recently, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture criticized Khan’s prolonged isolation of 23 hours a day in poor conditions, labeling it as unlawful and a form of psychological torture under international law,” it remarked.

The rights organization pointed out that obstructing visits from family and legal representatives breaches Pakistan’s obligations under international human rights agreements, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and essential due process protections. Referring to the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules, it stressed that the denial of family contact cannot be employed as a disciplinary or punitive tactic.

Amnesty International urged the Pakistani government to promptly reinstate Imran Khan’s access to his family and legal counsel in accordance with international human rights legislation, ensuring that detention conditions adhere to global norms and standards.

Last week, the UN Special Rapporteur called on the Pakistani government to take immediate and effective measures to address concerns regarding the “inhumane and undignified” detention conditions faced by Imran Khan, warning that they could be tantamount to torture and other forms of degrading treatment.

“I urge Pakistani authorities to guarantee that Khan's detention conditions fully align with international standards,” stated UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards.

“Since being moved to Adiala Jail on September 26, 2023, Imran Khan has reportedly endured excessive solitary confinement, being isolated for 23 hours daily in his cell, with severely limited access to the outside world. His cell is also under constant surveillance by cameras,” she added.