GENEVA: A group of independent human rights experts has urgently called for the release of Pakistani activist Idris Khattak, who is currently facing life-threatening health conditions while in detention. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the experts have expressed significant concern about the deteriorating health of Mr. Khattak, emphasizing that his ongoing detention violates international human rights obligations.

Mr. Khattak, a human rights defender, has been held in detention for over six years after his enforced disappearance in November 2019. The experts report that he is being denied necessary medical treatment for acute health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and a dental infection. An independent medical professional has assessed that Mr. Khattak’s health is at serious risk due to his limited access to appropriate care.

The experts have repeatedly communicated with the Government of Pakistan, highlighting Mr. Khattak’s unjust detention and the violations of his human rights, including his unfair trial and sentencing by a military court. In November 2025, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention confirmed that his detention was arbitrary and called for his immediate release.

Despite these calls, the Government of Pakistan has not responded to the demands for Mr. Khattak’s release. The experts stress that each day of continued detention exacerbates the violation of his rights and urge the Pakistani authorities to act promptly to safeguard his health and life.