UN Warning Pakistan: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has warned that Pakistan’s hasty constitutional changes are a threat to the independence of the judiciary and democracy. This has increased the control of the army.
UN Concern Pakistan Constitutional Amendment: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that Pakistan’s hastily adopted constitutional amendments pose a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary. In a video posted on UN social media platforms, Turk said that this recently passed amendment, just like the 26th Amendment, was implemented without discussion with the legal community and the public. He said, ‘Pakistan’s urgent constitutional changes undermine the independence of the judiciary and raise serious questions about the accountability of the military and respect for the rule of law. These changes together could make the judiciary subject to political interference and executive control.’
Constitutional changes in Pakistan impacting democracy
Turk also said that these amendments could have far-reaching effects on the core principles of democracy and rule of law that the Pakistani people defend. On 13 November, Pakistan made constitutional changes, under which authority over constitutional matters was given to a new Federal Constitutional Court, while the Supreme Court was now limited to only civil and criminal matters. With this step, the role of the army in Pakistan has become even stronger and central. Army Chief Asim Munir has now become the first Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the country, due to which the control of the three armies is now directly in the hands of the CDF instead of the President or the Council of Ministers.
President gets immunity from arrest
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill on 13 November, after which it became part of the Constitution. Under this amendment, the President, Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Navy have been given lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution and arrest.
Human rights concerns and protests
Pakistan’s Human Rights Council (HRC) condemned the unlawful arrest and five-hour detention of Farwa Askar and journalist Alifiya Sohail last week. They were protesting peacefully against the 27th Constitutional Amendment. This incident symbolizes the increasing pressure on democratic rights and civil liberties in Pakistan.
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