ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday renewed its attack on the government following the release of a new international rights report, alleging that judicial independence was being compromised and state institutions were being wielded against political rivals.
The party welcomed the report, “Under the Bench: Mapping Corruption Risks in Pakistan’s Justice System,” released by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) in partnership with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), saying its findings supported PTI’s longstanding claims of institutional decline and political interference.
In a statement, PTI said the report represented international recognition of concerns it had repeatedly raised about the country’s democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary.
The party linked those concerns to the passage of controversial 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, which it had opposed, and said the report echoed warnings it had made about the erosion of institutional independence.
“The world is now echoing what PTI has been warning about since the passage of the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amend-ments,” the party said, claiming that its position had received “global validation.”
The FIDH-HRCP report identifies several risks affecting Pakistan’s justice system, including weaknesses in accountability mechanisms, allegations of favouritism and nepotism, and concerns over judicial independence.
It also examines how such issues could affect fair trial protections, equal treatment under the law and the protection of fundamental rights.
PTI said the report strengthened its allegations that institutions responsible for accountability, including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), had been used selectively for political purposes rather than functioning as independent anti-corruption bodies.
“The current regime has transformed the judiciary into a tool of repression against dissent, opposition voices and the people of Pakistan,” the party alleged.
The opposition party also highlighted the report’s broader discussion of human rights concerns, including the consequences of weaknesses in the justice system for marginalised communities, women and religious minorities.
It referred to the report’s coverage of issues including alleged torture, unfair use of capital punishment and denial of due process.
PTI renewed its call for the repeal of the controversial 26th and 27th constitutional amendments and demanded comprehensive judicial reforms.
It called for greater transparency, stronger accountability mechanisms, whistleblower protections and an end to what it described as the selective enforcement of anti-corruption laws.
The party called on civil society groups, rights organisations and democratic forces to support efforts to restore what it termed the rule of law and constitutional supremacy.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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