The Pakistani government has approved lifetime immunity for the country’s highest civil and military leaders—a controversial decision the United Nations warns could undermine accountability, rule of law, and basic rights.
The UN’s Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has raised serious concerns over recent constitutional amendments, calling them a direct threat to judicial independence and military accountability. In his statement, he criticized the government for rushing the amendments without proper debate or consultation with legal experts and civil society, saying the move goes against the core principles of justice and human rights.
Under the new changes, a newly-created Federal Constitutional Court now has exclusive authority over constitutional matters, while the Supreme Court’s powers are confined to civil and criminal cases. The reforms also change how judges are appointed and transferred, raising fears of greater political influence.
Türk warned these measures could put the judiciary under executive control and stressed that lifetime immunity for top leadership—including the President and senior military commanders—weakens accountability and threatens democracy in Pakistan
Read more: Minister Questions Lifetime Immunity For President Under 27th Amendment
