Pakistan has recently passed a new law called the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which has raised worries about the independence of its courts. Both local and international groups are concerned about how this change will affect the judiciary. Santiago Canton, the Secretary General of the International Commission of Jurists, criticized the amendment, calling it a serious threat to judicial independence. Many believe that the amendment gives more political power in deciding who becomes a judge, which could harm human rights protections. Critics are also worried about how quickly the law was passed—within just 24 hours and without asking the public for their opinion.
The amendment changes the way the Judicial Commission of Pakistan is set up, giving politicians more say and reducing the influence of judges. This could affect how fair future court decisions are. Additionally, the amendment alters how the Chief Justice of Pakistan is appointed. Now, a parliamentary committee will make this decision, rather than automatically letting the most senior judge take the role.
Experts are urging the government to make urgent reforms to protect the independence of the judiciary. They stress the importance of transparency and accountability in how judges are appointed. The long-term effects of these changes on Pakistan’s legal system and human rights are still unclear.
