Pakistan’s foreign ministry has firmly rejected recent warnings from the UN rights chief regarding the potential implications of a constitutional amendment that grants legal immunity to the military’s leadership. The amendment, which passed earlier this month, protects Field Marshal Asim Munir and other high-ranking officials from prosecution for life, leading to significant concern among human rights organizations.
In his statement, UN rights chief Volker Turk expressed alarm over these changes, suggesting they threaten the integrity of the judiciary and the democratic framework of the nation. He noted that the amendment also established a new Federal Constitutional Court, which diminishes the powers of the Supreme Court and increases oversight of judges. Turk cautioned that together, these reforms could lead to “political interference and executive control,” thereby undermining the principles of democracy and rule of law cherished by the Pakistani populace.
Responding to these assertions, Pakistan’s foreign ministry described the UN chief’s remarks as “baseless” and expressed regret that they seemingly failed to account for the country’s perspectives and realities. The ministry reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding fundamental freedoms and upholding the rule of law as outlined in its constitution.
The backdrop of these developments highlights Pakistan’s ongoing struggle to maintain a balance between civilian governance and military influence. The military has been a dominant force in Pakistan for much of its history, often stepping in to regulate political affairs through a series of coups since the nation’s independence in 1947. With a population exceeding 250 million, the implications of these recent legal amendments resonate deeply within the fabric of Pakistani society, stirring debate over the future of democratic governance and civil rights in the country.
