human rights defender
Afzal Shah Khamosh
© PMKP
Organization affiliation
- Pakistan Mazdoor Kisan Party (PMKP)
HRD's Gender
Man
Type of HRD
- Peasant leader
- Social and community leader
HRD's thematic area of engagement
- Civil and political rights
- Labour rights
- Land rights
HRD's geographical origin
Rural
HRD's bio and work
Afzal Shah Khamosh is the Chairman of the Pakistan Mazdoor Kissan Party (PMKP). His work focuses on advocating for workers’ and peasants’ rights, fair wages, land rights, and economic justice. He also raises concerns about democratic freedoms, constitutional rights, and the protection of marginalised communities, particularly Pakhtuns. His human rights-related work includes political advocacy and support for workers’ and farmers’ demands.
Current Status
Released
Detained since
Jun 28, 2026
Date of release
Jul 12, 2026
Charge(s)
- Terrorism
Latitude: 33.48762914885285
Longitude: 71.0400869576717
Geolocation of detention
Country or area of detention
Region of detention
- Asia: Southern Asia
Location of detention - City/Town
Peshawar
Location of detention - Facility
Adiala Jail (Rawalpindi)
Allegations / reports of ill-treatment
Mr Khamosh alleged that he was kept in Adiala Jail under harsh conditions for four days and housed with inmates accused of serious offences.
Recent case update / evolution
Afzal Shah Khamosh, Chairman of the Pakistan Mazdoor Kissan Party (PMKP), was detained by the FIA’s Counter Terrorism Wing at Bacha Khan International Airport while preparing to travel to the United Kingdom on a private visit. He was informed that his name had been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) and was subsequently taken into custody. On 12 July 2026, he was released from Adiala Jail following a court order.
