• Says 27th Amendment undermines judicial independence, expands executive control
• Fears erosion of checks and balances, parliamentary supremacy
• Asserts efforts to curb militancy must not trample basic freedoms, right to dissent
• Alarmed by harassment, detention, forced repatriation of Afghan refugees

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Sunday expressed concern over the 27th Constitutional Amendment, warning that lifetime immunity for public officeholders had “concentrated unchecked power in the hands of a few”.

The contentious legislation was passed by parliament on Nov 13 after days of heated debate, opposition protests and last-minute revisions, and received the president’s assent the same day.

The amendment made significant changes to the judicial system and the military’s chain of command, and granted sweeping immunities to government officials.

Under the amendment, lifetime immunity from arrest and all criminal and civil proceedings has been granted to the president and anyone holding the ranks of field marshal, admiral of the fleet, and marshal of the air force.

In a statement issued after its 39th annual general meeting, the HRCP, referring to the amendment, drew attention to “escalating threats to constitutional democracy, civic freedoms and the safety of vulnerable communities across the country”.

The human rights body said it “is deeply concerned over the passage of the 27th Constitutional Ame­ndment, which undermines judicial independence by expanding executive control over matters that should remain free from executive

interference”.

“The amendment further weakens essential checks and balances at a time when public trust in state institutions is fragile. Lifetime immunity for holders of public office has concentrated unchecked power in the hands of a few, eroding parliamentary supremacy,” it said.

The human rights body also stressed that empowered and elected local governments were critical for deepening democracy and strengthening citizens’ participation in governance.

It underlined that efforts to curb militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan “must protect fundamental freedoms and the right to dissent”.

“Blanket internet shutdowns in Balochistan and other parts of the country have disrupted education, livelihoods and democratic participation and must end immediately,” the HRCP said.

It urged the federal and provincial governments “to implement rights-respecting security measures, conduct impartial investigations into abuses by state actors and engage meaningfully with local communities”.

This included ending enforced disappearances and the use of interment centres without due process, the commission said, stressing that the use of the Fourth Schedule to muzzle dissent “must cease”.

The Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 (ATA) is a list of individuals placed under observation by the government on suspicion of their involvement in terrorism or sectarianism.

Afghan refugees’ repatriation

The statement added that the HRCP “notes with alarm the ongoing harassment, detention and forced repatriation of Afghan refugees, many facing credible threats of persecution, family separation and severe humanitarian distress”.

“The government must suspend deportations, ensure due process and uphold international protection standards. Pakistan should ratify the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol and protect the right to citizenship by birth and naturalisation,” the HRCP emphasised.

It further stated that custodial torture and extrajudicial killings, “particularly involving Crime Control Department and Counter-Terrorism Department personnel”, demanded urgent independent inquiries and accountability. “Such violations perpetuate impunity and threaten citizens’ right to life and dignity,” it said.

Moreover, the HRCP noted that religious minorities, especially Ahmadis, continued to face mob violence, attacks on their sites or worship and desecration of graves.

The state must ensure protection, prosecute incitement and implement the delayed commission to investigate misuse of the blasphemy law, as well as legislate against forced conversions, the HRCP statement added.

It said that child marriage remained pervasive in the country, endangering girls’ health, education and futures.

The HRCP called for legislative reforms to define a minor consistently across laws and declare all marriages under 18 illegal.

“Sexual harassment in educational, public and private institutions also persists; robust reporting, transparent accountability and preventive training are essential to safeguard learning environments and workplaces,” it added.

The commission also urged the government to protect climate-displaced persons, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan, with safe shelter, essential services and sustainable resettlement solutions.

The authorities must also ensure long-term support for rebuilding homes and livelihoods for those affected by the recent floods, particularly in south Punjab, the HRCP said.

It stressed that incarcerated Indian and Pakistani fisherfolk must be repatriated to their countries and receive humane treatment, legal representation and protection from arbitrary detention to preserve their rights and livelihoods.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2025