A group of independent human rights experts* today raised grave concerns about the deteriorating and life-threatening health risks of Pakistani activist and human rights defender, Mr Idris Khattak, and reiterated that the Government of Pakistan must immediately release him from his unjust detention.
“Pakistan must stop disregarding, and must abide by their international human rights obligations and immediately and unconditionally release Mr Khattak, who has been unjustly detained for over 6 years in relation to exercising his freedoms. His prolonged detention conditions and the alleged denial of necessary adequate medication and medical treatment, given Mr Khattak’s acute health needs, have detrimental consequences endangering his life.” the experts warned.
An international independent medical professional, who has reviewed Mr Khattak’s medical documentation – and whose medical opinion has been seen by the experts – concluded that Mr Khattak’s health and life is at serious risk, given his current detention conditions, including his limited access to medication and medical care, and if his urgent needs related to his diabetes, high blood pressure and dental infection continue to be untreated. Further, the experts received reports that Mr Khattak is already showing serious symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes and health deterioration.
“The Pakistan Government is obliged to protect the rights to life, to physical and mental integrity, and to health, and has a specific responsibility to persons deprived of their liberty. Each additional day of Mr Khattak’s unjust detention compounds the violation suffered by him, and the violations of Pakistan international human rights obligations. This must stop. Mr Khattak must be released immediately and unconditionally, ensuring he has access to immediate and independent medical assistance.”
Several UN experts have continuously called for the release of Mr Khattak, since his enforced disappearance in November 2019 and subsequent detention. They have sent numerous communications to the Pakistan Government highlighting the egregious violations of his human rights, with regards to his unfair trial and unjust sentencing by military court and arbitrary detention and imprisonment. In November 2025, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention confirmed that Mr Khattak has been arbitrary detained, including in violation of his freedom of expression, and stated that “the appropriate remedy would be to release Mr. Khattak immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations”, and to ensure accountability for the violations he suffered.
“Unfortunately the Pakistan Government has not responded and continues to hold Mr Khattak, in clear and blatant violation of their obligations. Pakistan must act with no more delays to protect the health and life of Mr Khattak,” the experts urged.
The experts have been in contact with the Government of Pakistan on this issue.
*The experts:
- Gina Romero, the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
- Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Ganna Yudkivska (Chair-Rapporteur), Matthew Gillett (Vice-Chair on Communications), Miriam Estrada Castillo (Vice-Chair on Follow-Up), Mumba Malila, and Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR.
Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/
UN Human Rights, country page – https://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/pakistan
For inquiries and media requests, please contact hrc-sr-freeassembly@un.org:
Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on X: @UN_SPExperts
