ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday dismissed criticism from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights over the country’s newly passed 27th constitutional amendment, calling the concerns “ungrounded” and “misplaced.”

In a statement, the Foreign Office said the amendment was approved by a two-third majority in parliament and reflected the workings of a democratic system. It said constitutional changes and all legislation were the responsibility of Pakistan’s elected representatives.

The ministry said democratic norms underpin civil and political rights in the country, adding that the amendment followed procedures set out in the Constitution. It reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to human dignity, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

However, the Foreign Office said it was “regrettable” that Pakistan’s perspective and on-ground context were not reflected in the UN rights body’s statement. It called on the High Commissioner to respect parliament’s sovereign decisions and avoid comments that, in its view, show political bias.

Background

The rebuttal comes days after UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Friday voiced concern that Pakistan’s latest constitutional changes could erode judicial independence and weaken accountability. He said the amendment, adopted on November 13, was passed without broad consultation, mirroring the process behind last year’s 26th Amendment.

Türk warned that the creation of a new Federal Constitutional Court, which takes over constitutional cases from the Supreme Court, could centralise power within the executive.

He also pointed to changes in the appointment and promotion of judges, saying the new system may leave the judiciary vulnerable to political influence.

President Asif Ali Zardari signed the amendment earlier this month after it cleared both houses of parliament amid opposition protests, making it part of the Constitution.

27th Constitutional amendment

Pakistan rejects UN rights chief’s concerns over new constitutional amendments