Pakistan Rejects UN Human Rights Chief’s Remarks  on 27th Amendment

Pakistan has formally rejected a statement from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) concerning the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The Foreign Office spokesperson, in a press release on Sunday, described the UN’s comments as “baseless.”

This strong response addresses concerns raised by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. He had stated that the “hastily adopted” amendments could undermine judicial independence. Moreover, they raise questions about military accountability and the rule of law in Pakistan.

The Foreign Office expressed “deep concern” over what it termed the “ungrounded and misplaced apprehensions” from the OHCHR. It firmly clarified that the constitutional amendment was legitimately adopted by a two-thirds majority in the national parliament.

The spokesperson underscored a core principle of democratic governance. “Like all parliamentary democracies, all legislation—as well as any amendment to the Constitution remains the exclusive domain of the elected representatives of the people of Pakistan,” the statement read. It further emphasised that democracy forms the bedrock of civil and political rights.

The world is watching and expressing its concern as Pakistan becomes isolated from the civilized world and drifts toward a constitutional dictatorship under General Asim Munir.

UN High Commissioner @volker_turk said the 27th Constitutional Amendment, undermines judicial… pic.twitter.com/IkI1dx6uAS

— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 28, 2025

Pakistan’s official response reiterated the nation’s firm commitment to protecting human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. It highlighted that these principles are firmly enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

While acknowledging the importance of the High Commissioner’s global role, the Foreign Office voiced regret that the UN statement failed to reflect Pakistan’s official perspective. It also did not consider the “ground realities” on the issue.

Pakistan urged the High Commissioner to respect the sovereign decisions made by its democratically elected parliament. The statement also called for avoiding future commentary that, from Pakistan’s viewpoint, “reflects political bias and misinformation.”

The UN’s earlier statement had noted that the amendment, similar to one passed last year, was enacted without what it considered broad consultation with the legal community and civil society. High Commissioner Türk had warned that such changes could run counter to the separation of powers. This is a key element for upholding the rule of law and human rights.