Punjab government officials have rejected a report by a United Nations expert that raised concerns about the detention conditions of Bushra Bibi Khan, the wife of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
The response followed a statement by United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, who warned that Bushra Bibi’s incarceration conditions could endanger her physical and mental health. Edwards urged Pakistani authorities to take immediate corrective steps.
Punjab officials rejected the assessment, saying it relied on unverified claims and ignored official reports already submitted to the courts. They stressed that UN special rapporteurs act independently and do not represent the United Nations as an institution.
In her statement, Edwards said no detainee should face extreme heat, unsafe food or contaminated water. She also called on authorities to ensure regular access to legal counsel, family visits and meaningful human contact during detention.
Bushra Bibi was re-arrested in January 2025 after her conviction in a case linked to misuse of authority and corruption involving Al-Qadir University. Earlier this month, a special court sentenced her and Imran Khan to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana-II case over the under-priced purchase of luxury state gifts.
Read: UN Expert Warns Bushra Bibi’s Detention Conditions Risk Her Health
The conviction added to a series of legal cases against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder, who has remained in custody since August 2023. He is currently serving a separate 14-year sentence for land corruption.
In April, the Adiala Jail administration informed the Islamabad High Court that it was providing Bushra Bibi with facilities in accordance with prison rules. The report stated that she occupies a separate room with adequate space for walking and meets family members, friends and lawyers without restrictions. It also said a female medical officer examines her twice daily.
According to the jail authorities, she has access to basic amenities, including a mattress, chair, table, bookshelf, lighting, a fan and a room cooler.
Officials also rejected claims that Imran Khan remains in prolonged isolation. They said he receives facilities in accordance with jail regulations and court directives.
The Punjab government maintained that prison authorities follow legal procedures and ensure detainees receive treatment consistent with established rules and judicial oversight.
