Human rights group Amnesty International has called for a review of Pakistan’s 27th amendment, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence and fair trials. The amendment, which establishes a Federal Constitutional Court with significant powers, has raised concerns about potential threats to the rule of law and judicial freedom. The editorial in The Express Tribune highlights the need for continuity and precedent in constitutional law to avoid legal uncertainty and inconsistent interpretations.
Amnesty International has warned that the 27th amendment poses a serious challenge to judicial independence and the right to a fair trial in Pakistan. The appointment of the Federal Constitutional Court’s chief justice and judges by the President, bypassing the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, is seen as a direct infringement on the principle of separation of powers. The editorial stresses that political influence on judicial appointments erodes public trust in the fairness of decision-making processes.
The editorial underscores the historical consequences of compromising judicial independence for expedience in Pakistan’s constitutional history. It emphasizes that any curtailment of judicial freedom undermines the rule of law, making it conditional and ineffective. Amnesty International’s advocacy for an urgent review of the 27th amendment aims to uphold constitutional legitimacy based on restraint rather than the concentration of power.
Amnesty International has labeled the 27th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan as a significant regression and a threat to judicial independence and the rule of law. The amendment, passed in November 2025, has been criticized for violating international human rights standards by undermining judicial independence and providing lifetime immunity to officials. The organization calls on Pakistani authorities to protect judges’ impartiality, independence, and safety, ensuring they can perform their duties without interference.
