Pakistan Dismisses UN Concerns Over 27th Constitutional Amendment
Pakistan has vehemently rejected concerns raised by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk regarding its recently enacted 27th constitutional amendment. On Sunday, Islamabad’s Foreign Office dismissed Türk’s statement as reflecting "political bias and misinformation," asserting that legislative amendments, including those to the constitution, fall exclusively within the purview of Pakistan's elected parliamentary representatives.
The Foreign Office emphasized Pakistan's unwavering commitment to upholding human rights, dignity, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law as enshrined in its constitution. It expressed regret that Pakistan's perspectives and ground realities were not adequately reflected in the UN official's remarks, urging the High Commissioner to respect Pakistan's sovereign parliamentary decisions and refrain from biased commentary.
UN Flags Judicial Independence & Military Accountability
Türk's criticism, issued on Friday, focused on the lack of broad consultation with legal experts and civil society before the amendment's adoption. He cautioned that these "hastily adopted" changes could severely compromise judicial independence and raise significant questions about the military's accountability.
The 27th amendment has ignited intense political debate within the nation. Approved by a joint parliamentary committee on November 12, the bill has drawn sharp opposition, with critics warning it signals the "death knell for the Supreme Court."
Key Changes: Chief of Defence Forces & Supreme Court Powers
At the heart of the controversy, the amendment modifies Article 243. It abolishes the role of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), creating a new position: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Furthermore, it proposes the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court and seeks to curtail certain powers of the Supreme Court.
General Asim Munir, the current Pakistan Army chief, is slated to become the first Chief of Defence Forces, a move that follows his recent "promotion" to the five-star Field Marshal rank after the May conflict with India. While the office of the CJCSC formally ceased operations on Thursday, the Pakistan government is yet to officially notify the CDF appointment, according to reports from Dawn.