Amnesty International has issued a strong warning that Pakistan’s recently enacted 27th Constitutional Amendment poses a serious threat to judicial independence and the rule of law.
In a statement released earlier this week, the rights group said the amendment entrenches executive influence over the judiciary and shields powerful state officials from accountability. Amnesty argued that the changes further weaken an already fragile judicial system. This is done by establishing a Federal Constitutional Court that lacks independence and undermines judges’ tenure security.
Despite its sweeping constitutional impact, Amnesty noted that the amendment was rushed through parliament without meaningful consultation with civil society groups or opposition parties.
The organisation highlighted that two senior judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan resigned in protest on the same day the amendment became law on November 13, 2025. A judge of the Lahore High Court followed with a resignation two days later. Amnesty described these developments as part of a sustained pattern of pressure on judicial independence in the country.
According to the report, the 27th Amendment builds on changes introduced under the 26th Constitutional Amendment in October 2024. Those earlier changes altered the composition of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan by increasing parliamentary representation. International bodies, including the UN Human Rights Committee, had already warned that such reforms risk politicising judicial appointments.
PAKISTAN: The 27th amendment to the Constitution, passed in November 2025, marks a significant regression and is part of a direct and sustained assault on judicial independence, right to fair trial and the rule of law in Pakistan. The amendment violates international human rights…
— Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office (@amnestysasia) January 6, 2026Amnesty said the new amendment allows the president, on the prime minister’s advice, to appoint the first chief justice and judges of the Federal Constitutional Court. This process bypasses established judicial appointment mechanisms. Consequently, it opens the door to direct political interference.
Under the amendment, the Federal Constitutional Court’s rulings will bind all other courts, including the Supreme Court. However, the new court itself will not be bound by previous Supreme Court judgments. Amnesty warned that this shift significantly alters the balance of judicial authority.
The report also raised concern over the transfer of the Supreme Court’s original and advisory jurisdiction to the new court. This includes cases related to constitutional interpretation and fundamental rights. Powers to review bans on political parties have also been moved. Amnesty said this step could have serious consequences, given repeated government statements about banning the opposition, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
Amnesty further criticised provisions that allow the president to transfer high court judges without their consent. It warned that such transfers could be used as a punitive tool against judges who issue unfavourable rulings. Judges who refuse transfers may now face suspension or removal.
Concluding its assessment, Amnesty said the amendment represents the culmination of a concerted assault on judicial independence in Pakistan. The organisation called for an urgent review of the law. It urged authorities to safeguard judicial impartiality, uphold the separation of powers, and ensure accountability in line with international legal standards.
