Global scrutiny of Pakistan’s treatment of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan has intensified in recent days, with a United Nations human rights expert issuing a stark warning about his detention conditions. Critics describe the current government as a “hybrid regime” blending civilian rule with significant military influence, amid allegations that Khan’s prolonged isolation amounts to psychological torture.
On December 12, 2025, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Alice Jill Edwards called on Pakistani authorities to immediately address reports of “inhumane and undignified” conditions for the 73-year-old Khan, who has been held in Adiala Jail since August 2023. Edwards highlighted that Khan is reportedly confined for up to 23 hours a day in a small cell lacking natural light and adequate ventilation, under constant surveillance, with restricted family and legal access. She stressed that solitary confinement exceeding 15 days constitutes psychological torture under international law.
“The prolonged or indefinite solitary confinement is prohibited under international human rights law,” Edwards stated, urging compliance with global standards. The UN expert noted Khan’s health vulnerabilities, including past spinal injuries and gunshot wounds from a 2022 assassination attempt, and reports of extreme temperatures, poor air quality, and insect infestations leading to nausea and weight loss.
Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), welcomed the UN intervention, calling it a validation of their claims of political victimization. PTI leaders demanded an immediate end to the isolation, describing it as unlawful and degrading.
Widespread Media Coverage and Public Outcry
The UN statement triggered extensive international media attention, amplifying concerns. Reports framed the issue as mounting global pressure on Pakistan’s government, a civil-military nexus often referencing the country’s “hybrid regime” dynamics where the military holds substantial sway.
Khan’s ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith, escalated visibility by appealing directly to Elon Musk on X (formerly Twitter), alleging platform throttling of her posts about Khan’s 22-month isolation. She claimed her sons have been denied contact, labeling Khan a “political prisoner without basic human rights.”
Domestically, protests erupted near Adiala Jail earlier this month over health fears, with PTI supporters rallying despite restrictions. Khan’s sister described him as physically well but subjected to “mental torture” due to isolation.
Viral Photo Sparks Debate Amid Pressure
In an apparent response to the growing scrutiny, a photograph purporting to show Khan exercising—appearing sweaty and doing push-ups in the jail courtyard—went viral on social media over the weekend. The image quickly fueled speculation, with many users and fact-checkers questioning its authenticity, citing inconsistencies such as mismatched uniforms on guards, unusual shadows, and potential AI artifacts.
Initial doubts labeled it as AI-generated, but Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, addressed the controversy in media statements on December 15-16. She confirmed that the photo depicts her brother accurately, stating he “never gives up… exercise, even in confinement.” However, she noted it appears to be from the summer months—likely before his stricter solitary confinement—and resembles how he looked during her last meeting with him in October. “It may be AI, but it is the right AI,” she remarked in one interview, while in others affirming its genuineness based on his appearance.
The photo’s emergence coincided closely with the UN alert, leading PTI supporters to accuse authorities of leaking or fabricating it to counter claims of deteriorating health and isolation.
The release of the image at this critical time is to give a message to the world that Imran Khan is quite well and under good conditions in jail.
Broader Criticism of Pakistan’s Political Landscape
The controversy ties into wider accusations against Pakistan’s governance. On December 15, India’s UN representative criticized Islamabad at the Security Council for jailing a former prime minister (implicitly Khan), banning opposition parties, and granting extensive powers to the military.
Human rights groups like Amnesty International have previously called for Khan’s release from arbitrary detention, citing fair trial violations. While no new 2025 statements from Amnesty or Human Rights Watch directly address the latest UN alert, ongoing concerns about political repression persist.
Government Response
Pakistani officials have rebutted claims, insisting Khan receives standard B-class prisoner facilities, including exercise and proper food. Jail authorities maintain restrictions are for security reasons, denying any mistreatment.
As the UN continues monitoring, analysts warn the case risks further straining Pakistan’s international relations and highlighting tensions in its hybrid civil-military power structure.
