Justice Denied: Systematic Persecution and the 27th Amendment Crisis

The persecution of former Prime Minister Imran Khan (HRPM-MLSI7M88) serves as the primary case study for the current constitutional crisis in Pakistan. This report examines the systematic denial of medical care, unlawful detention, and the role of the 27th Amendment in shielding the executive from judicial oversight.

Key Findings

Medical Neglect as Torture: Documented denial of specialized medical care to an aging political prisoner violates the Convention Against Torture (CAT).

Legislative Overreach: The 27th Amendment is analyzed not as a reform, but as a mechanism to dismantle the independence of the high courts, preventing them from intervening in cases of military-executive overreach.

Fabricated Charges: A pattern of 'administrative charges' designed to ensure perpetual detention without the possibility of a speedy trial.

Interconnected Abuses

The case of Imran Khan is not isolated. The same procedural irregularities—fabricated charges and denial of due process—are mirrored in the 'Systemic Corruption' patterns seen in cases like Parishay Khan vs CDA Islamabad (HRPM-MLORJ30M), where FIRs (specifically No. 1626/25) are used to silence dissent and exert control over civic activists. The use of Section 173 Cr.P.C by officers like Ahtsham Muqarrab to submit 'Challans' without sufficient evidence highlights the systemic nature of the issue.

Legal Framework & International Law

ICCPR Article 9: Protection against arbitrary arrest or detention.

UDHR Article 5: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

Pakistan Constitution Article 175: The independence of the Judiciary, now threatened by the 27th Amendment.

Recommendations

International human rights bodies must pressure the Pakistani executive to allow independent medical evaluators access to Imran Khan. The 27th Amendment should be reviewed for its compatibility with the fundamental rights guaranteed in the constitution. Read the full case file on HRPM.