Pakistan Defends Constitutional Amendment Amid UN Criticism Over Military Power Grab
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has expressed concerns over Pakistan's 27th constitutional amendment, which grants life-long protection to top officials, including Field Marshal Asim Munir. The amendment has been criticized for undermining judicial independence and military accountability. Pakistan's Foreign Office has dismissed the UN's remarks as 'ungrounded and misplaced apprehensions,' stating that the amendment is a legitimate legislative move by the elected representatives of the people. However, opposition parties have accused the government of undermining the Supreme Court's authority. The 27th amendment seeks to restructure Pakistan's military leadership by replacing the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee with a new role: Chief of Defence Forces. It also expands military hierarchy privileges, allowing for promotions to field marshal, marshal of the air force, and admiral of the fleet. The amendment further proposes the creation of a federal constitutional court, changes in appointing high court judges, and new rules for provincial cabinet formation. The proposed changes raise concerns about the concentration of power within the military, particularly in a country that has experienced decades of military rule. The recent four-day conflict with India in May has led to a belief within the establishment that modern warfare requires more integrated command structures. The promotion of General Asim Munir to Field Marshal, only the second officer in Pakistan's history to hold the rank, has further sparked concerns about the military's growing influence. The UN's criticism comes as Pakistan's military continues to consolidate its power, raising questions about the country's commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
