UN raises alarm over Pakistan’s rushed constitutional amendments and new immunity clauses [Photo: X]
The United Nations has expressed deep concern after Pakistan passed major constitutional amendments and created a new top military post for Army Chief Gen Asim Munir. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the changes were rushed and threatened the independence of the judiciary.
The amendments came into effect as Pakistan elevated Gen Munir to the newly formed position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), giving him expanded authority over the army, air force, and navy.
On Friday (Nov 28), Volker Türk strongly criticised the speed and nature of the changes. He said Pakistan’s “hastily adopted constitutional amendments seriously undermine judicial independence”.
The UN fears the amendments may weaken oversight and reduce the accountability of the government and military. Officials also worry that the newly added immunity clauses could shield powerful offices from legal scrutiny.
A day earlier, on Thursday (Nov 27), Pakistan announced that Army Chief Gen Asim Munir would become the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces. The position carries a fixed 5-year term.
With this role, Gen Asim Munir will now head the country’s three armed forces. The change came after the controversial 27th Amendment to Pakistan’s Constitution, which expanded the powers of the military leadership and restructured its command hierarchy.
The government defended the move, saying it will strengthen national security coordination. Critics, however, argue that it centralises too much authority in one office.
The new amendments also include immunity provisions for certain high offices. Legal experts in Pakistan say this could limit the courts’ ability to hold institutions accountable. The UN has echoed these concerns, warning that such protections may restrict fundamental rights and weaken democratic checks and balances.
Civil society groups in Pakistan have already begun raising questions about the timing of the changes, especially as the country faces economic instability, rising political tensions and ongoing security challenges.
Analysts say the developments signal a shifting power structure in Pakistan. The creation of the CDF role and the new constitutional amendments appear to further institutionalise the military’s influence in governance.
Some fear that the move could alter the civilian-military balance that Pakistan has long struggled to stabilise. International observers also view this as a significant political moment that could shape Pakistan’s democratic future. As global scrutiny increases, the next steps taken by Pakistan’s government and judiciary will be closely watched.
