Pakistan rejects UN human rights chief’s remarks on constitutional amendment

Pakistan on Sunday rejected remarks issued by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) over the recently adopted 27th constitutional amendment, terming the concerns “ungrounded” and “misplaced”

In a statement, the Foreign Office said the amendment had been passed by a two-third majority of parliament and was the product of Pakistan’s democratic process. It noted that constitutional changes and all legislation fall within the exclusive domain of elected representatives.

The ministry said democratic principles form the basis of civil and political rights in Pakistan, and emphasised that the amendment was passed in line with procedures laid out in the Constitution.

The statement also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to human dignity, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

The Foreign Office, however, expressed regret that Pakistan’s position and the “ground realities” were not reflected in the OHCHR statement.

It urged the High Commissioner to respect parliament’s sovereign decisions and avoid commentary that, in its view, reflects political bias.

On Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that Pakistan’s latest constitutional changes risk undermining judicial independence and weakening accountability mechanisms.

He said the amendment, passed on November 13, was adopted without broad consultation, similar to last year’s 26th Amendment. The UN rights chief argued that the new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which replaces the Supreme Court’s authority over constitutional matters, could concentrate excessive power within the executive.

Türk also raised concerns about changes to the system governing appointment, promotion and transfer of judges, saying the new structure could expose the judiciary to political influence. He warned that immunity provisions included in the amendment may weaken checks on government authority.

President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment earlier this month after its approval by both houses of parliament amid opposition protests. The amendment became part of the Constitution following presidential assent.