UN urges Pakistan to free activist Idris Khattak, citing health risks and legal obligations

April 5, 2026 - 21:46

United Nations human rights experts issued an urgent appeal to Pakistan on Thursday, demanding the immediate release of detained activist Idris Khattak. The experts cited grave concerns over his deteriorating health and the apparent lack of adequate medical care, warning that his life may be at risk.

The statement emphasized that Pakistan has clear legal obligations under international law. Khattak’s prolonged detention, which has now exceeded four years, is viewed as a violation of his fundamental rights to a fair trial and freedom from arbitrary arrest. The experts highlighted that his reported health issues require urgent and specialized treatment that he is not receiving in custody.

Idris Khattak, known for his human rights documentation work, was reportedly forcibly disappeared in 2019 before being formally charged. The UN body stressed that his case is part of a troubling pattern and called for a transparent investigation into his initial disappearance. They urged authorities to ensure his safety and provide him with all necessary medical assistance without delay.

The appeal underscores growing international scrutiny over Pakistan's human rights record, particularly regarding enforced disappearances and the treatment of activists. The experts concluded that Khattak’s release is not only a humanitarian imperative but a necessary step for Pakistan to uphold its own constitutional guarantees and international commitments.