ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson on Sunday rejected “ungrounded” concerns raised by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recently over the contentious constitutional amendments that critics fear undermine judicial independence.
OHCHR chief Volker Türk on Friday spoke about Pakistan’s recent constitutional amendments, which grant lifetime immunity from prosecution to the army chief and the president, and established a separate court separate from the Supreme Court of Pakistan to hear constitutional cases.
Türk said the “hastily adopted” amendments undermine judicial independence, raise grave concerns about military accountability and respect for the rule of law.
“Pakistan notes with deep concern the ungrounded and misplaced apprehensions aired on behalf of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the 27th constitutional amendment adopted by the two-thirds majority of the parliament of Pakistan,” the foreign office said.
The foreign office said constitutional amendments and legislation remain the “exclusive domain” of representatives elected by the people of Pakistan.
It added that the amendments adopted by parliament followed the due procedures mentioned in the country’s constitution.
The foreign office said that while Pakistan valued the work done by the OHCHR, it regretted that Islamabad’s views and ground realities were not reflected in its statement.
“We urge the High Commissioner to respect the sovereign decisions of Pakistan’s parliament and avoid commentary that reflects political bias and misinformation,” the statement said.
It said Pakistan remains fully committed to protecting, promoting and upholding human rights, human dignity, basic freedoms and rule of law.
