Pakistan has expressed strong rejection of what it described as a baseless statement by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights concerning the 27th constitutional amendment adopted by a two-third majority in the Parliament.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Pakistan notes with deep concern the ungrounded and misplaced apprehensions aired on behalf of the High Commissioner.
The ministry emphasized that, like all parliamentary democracies, all legislation and constitutional amendments are the exclusive domain of elected representatives of Pakistan. Democracy and democratic methods form the bedrock of civil and political rights, and must be respected. Pakistan said the constitutional amendments adopted by Parliament followed due procedures as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to protecting, promoting, and upholding human rights, human dignity, basic freedoms, and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
While acknowledging the importance of the work of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Pakistan expressed regret that its views and ground realities were not reflected in the statement issued. The ministry urged the High Commissioner to respect the sovereign decisions of Pakistan’s parliament and avoid commentary that reflects political bias or misinformation.
