UN Condemns Pakistan's Constitutional Amendments: Threats to Judicial Independence and Military Accountability

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari formally signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill into law on November 13, triggering international concern over judicial independence.

On Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed serious concerns regarding Pakistan's constitutional changes, stating they "seriously undermine judicial independence."

In a video statement shared on the United Nations' social media platforms, Turk emphasized that the latest amendment, like its predecessor the 26th Amendment, was implemented without proper consultation with legal professionals or Pakistani citizens.

"Pakistan's hastily adopted constitutional amendments seriously undermine judicial independence, and raise grave concerns about military accountability and respect for the rule of law. These changes, taken together, risk subjugating the judiciary to political interference and executive control," Turk stated.

The UN Human Rights office warned that these amendments "risk far-reaching consequences for the principles of democracy and rule of law which the Pakistani people hold dear."

The constitutional changes adopted on November 13 establish a new Federal Constitutional Court with authority over constitutional cases, effectively diminishing the Supreme Court's power, which will now be limited to handling civil and criminal matters.

Pakistan's military has entered an unprecedented era of influence, with Army Chief Asim Munir assuming the position of the country's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) on Thursday. This new role transfers control of the tri-forces from the president and cabinet to the CDF.

After approval from both houses of Parliament, President Zardari's signature officially incorporated the 27th Constitutional Amendment into Pakistan's Constitution.

The amendment controversially provides lifelong immunity from criminal proceedings and arrest to the President, Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet.

The Human Rights Council of Pakistan recently condemned the "illegal arrest and five-hour detention" of its member Farwa Askar and journalist Alifia Sohail, who were detained while peacefully protesting against the 27th Constitutional Amendment outside the Karachi Press Club.