Amnesty International has strongly criticised Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a serious violation of international human rights law. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the rights body said the amendment undermines judicial independence, weakens the right to a fair trial, and shields powerful officials from accountability by granting lifetime immunity.
Passed by parliament in November 2025 and signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari, the amendment introduces wide-ranging changes. These include constitutional protection for top military leadership and the president, the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court, and provisions allowing the transfer of high court judges. Amnesty described the move as a significant regression and part of a sustained assault on the rule of law in Pakistan.
The organisation expressed concern over the manner in which the amendment was passed, saying it was rushed through parliament without meaningful consultation with opposition parties or civil society. It noted that on the day the law came into force, two senior Supreme Court judges resigned in protest, followed by the resignation of a Lahore High Court judge days later.
Amnesty further warned that the amendment increases executive control over the judiciary by allowing the president and prime minister to appoint the first chief justice and judges of the new constitutional court. It argued that this continues a troubling pattern set by the 26th Amendment, passed hastily in October 2024.
Calling for an urgent review, Amnesty urged Pakistani authorities to protect judicial independence, uphold international obligations, and ensure access to justice through respect for the separation of powers and the rule of law.
