UN Expresses Concern Over Amendment of Constitution by Pakistan to Confer Undue Rights to the Army Chief

Appeal to Pakistan to have a re-look at the amendment of the constitution

New York (USA) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed his concern over Pakistan’s 27th amendment of the Constitution that it can weaken the fundamental laws in Pakistan which maintain law and order in the country. These amendments make so significant changes in the system that it will undermine even the judicial independence as this amendment has increased the rights of the army while reducing the power of the Supreme Court.

Turk further stated that the main yardstick of the freedom of judiciary is that there should be no interference by the Government. With the end of such protection, courts will not be able to protect human rights and implement the laws. Pakistan should re-look into this amendment and make such changes that it will strengthen the systems in the country rather than weakening them.

Effects of constitutional amendment

Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir has become the first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the control of Pakistan’s nuclear bombs is totally under the control of army that is under Asim Munir. It was earlier under the control of the Prime Minister.