GENEVA: The United Nations Committee Against Torture has issued a damning assessment of Pakistan’s human rights record, drawing sharp criticism over the detention of political figures and activists, including Baloch rights leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Baloch rights group welcomes international scrutiny as UN body names prominent detainees and calls for accountability
The findings, published on May 1, 2026, came as part of the Committee’s latest session reviewing Pakistan alongside Gabon, Italy, and Tajikistan. Scoop News
The Committee expressed concern about the situation of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, as well as activists Idris Khattak, Ali Wazir, and Mahrang Baloch, whose arbitrary detentions were confirmed by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, particularly regarding their access to medical care. OHCHR
The Committee pressed Pakistan to take measures to ensure that human rights defenders, civil society activists, journalists, lawyers, political opponents, protesters and other critics of the government were adequately protected from torture and other forms of reprisals, and that those responsible were brought to justice.
Pakistan’s prisons are operating at 163% capacity, with nearly three-quarters of all prisoners held in pre-trial detention a figure the Committee said reflects both judicial delay and the excessive use of custodial measures. Freedomofconscience
More than 10,000 enforced disappearance cases registered between 2010 and August 2025, over 9,000 have reportedly been “disposed of,” with zero criminal convictions resulting from the National Commission of Inquiry’s work. Freedomofconscience
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a civil society organization representing Baloch communities, welcomed the findings and called on Islamabad to immediately end what it described as systematic repression.
“Silencing peaceful voices cannot bring justice or stability,” the group said in a statement. “Respect for human rights, dignity and freedom of expression must be ensured for all.”
The UN body called on Pakistani authorities to take necessary measures to ensure that victims of human rights violations are thoroughly investigated, those responsible are brought to justice, and victims are provided with effective remedies. Central Chronicle
Pakistan has not publicly responded to the findings.
