ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has dismissed a statement from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regarding the recently approved 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling the remarks “baseless,” according to a Foreign Office press release issued on Sunday.
The reaction followed comments made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who warned that the “hastily adopted” amendment could weaken judicial independence and cast doubts on military accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
In its response, the Foreign Office said Pakistan views the High Commissioner’s concerns as “ungrounded and misplaced,” stressing that the amendment was passed with a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
“As in any parliamentary democracy, legislation including constitutional amendments is solely the prerogative of elected representatives. Democracy and democratic processes form the foundation of civil and political rights and must be respected,” the spokesperson said.
The statement reaffirmed that the amendment was approved fully in line with constitutional procedures.
Pakistan also reiterated its commitment to safeguarding human rights, human dignity, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, as guaranteed by its Constitution.
While acknowledging the value of the High Commissioner’s work, the Foreign Office expressed disappointment that Pakistan’s viewpoint and the “ground realities” were not reflected in the UN statement. It urged the High Commissioner to respect Pakistan’s sovereign legislative decisions and refrain from remarks driven by “political bias or misinformation.”
Earlier, Türk had voiced concern that the 27th amendment similar to the 26th amendment adopted last year was passed without broad consultation with legal experts or civil society. He cautioned that such amendments could undermine the separation of powers essential for protecting human rights and ensuring rule of law in the country.
