The United Nations Committee Against Torture, in its latest report, has described the human rights situation in Pakistan as critical and has criticized the country for its harsh measures against Afghan refugees and violations of human rights.
The report states that following the implementation of the 2023 “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan,” Pakistan has forcibly expelled hundreds of thousands of Afghans, including women and children.
The committee also revealed that Afghan refugees in Pakistan are facing widespread pressure, including police abuse, extortion, raids, arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and threats, aimed at forcing them to return to Afghanistan.
The report adds that the situation is not limited to refugees; the overall human rights condition inside Pakistan is also concerning. There are reports of torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary detentions targeting civil activists, journalists, and political opponents.
The committee has also expressed serious concern over the arrests of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and several activists such as Idris Khattak, Ali Wazir, and Mahrang Baloch.
The committee has urged Pakistan to immediately review or cancel this plan, conduct thorough investigations into police misconduct, and bring those involved in human rights violations to justice.