Amnesty International has condemned Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a major threat to judicial independence, fair trials, and the rule of law. The human rights organization urged authorities to review the law immediately to ensure compliance with Pakistan’s international obligations.
Controversial Changes in the 27th Amendment
The 27th Amendment passed after five days of heated debate in Parliament. Opposition protests and last-minute revisions highlighted the controversy. It introduces a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which Amnesty warns undermines judicial independence. The Amendment also rewrites Article 243, changing military leadership rules and shielding the president and top officers from accountability.
Amnesty criticized the lack of consultation with civil society and opposition parties. It stressed that these changes weaken Pakistan’s rule of law and reduce transparency in governance.
Judges and Judicial Independence at Risk
The Amendment has already affected senior judges. Two Supreme Court judges, Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, resigned immediately after it was signed into law. Soon after, Lahore High Court judge Shams Mehmood Mirza also stepped down.
Amnesty noted that judicial independence was already weakened by the 26th Amendment in 2024. That law altered the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) by reducing judicial members and adding parliamentarians. It also shifted the Supreme Court’s original and advisory jurisdiction to newly created Constitutional Benches, which the 27th Amendment later replaced with the FCC.
Threats and Interference Target Judges
Amnesty highlighted several incidents showing pressure on judges. In March 2024, six Islamabad High Court judges wrote an open letter warning of intimidation, surveillance, and threats to their families. The Peshawar High Court confirmed that judges faced pressure while handling politically sensitive cases.
Other incidents included suspicious letters containing powder, online harassment campaigns, and anonymous complaints against outspoken judges. Justice Jahangiri faced removal in December 2025, which Amnesty criticized for bypassing proper procedures and presenting conflicts of interest.
Amnesty Calls for Immediate Action
Amnesty urged Pakistan’s authorities to review the 27th Amendment immediately. It called for measures to protect judges’ independence and impartiality. The organization also stressed that authorities must ensure fair trials, uphold separation of powers, and safeguard victims’ rights.
Without corrective action, Amnesty warned, the Amendment could further weaken the judiciary and erode accountability. The group emphasized that Pakistan must respect its international human rights commitments and guarantee justice for all citizens.
