Former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan has written a letter to the United Nations, warning that planned changes to Pakistan’s Constitution could weaken judicial independence and threaten human rights. These amendments, according to Khan, aim to limit his ability to challenge cases filed against him.
In the letter, sent through his legal team to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Khan raised concerns over the government’s move to extend judges’ retirement age and create a new Federal Constitutional Court. He argued that these changes would shift important powers away from the Supreme Court, making the judiciary more vulnerable to political interference.
Khan has previously appealed to international organizations, including the IMF, raising concerns about Pakistan’s political and economic situation. His recent move has drawn criticism from the government, which has accused him of jeopardizing national interests for personal gain.
The amendments in question are part of a proposed constitutional package that requires a two-thirds majority to pass in both houses of parliament. The ruling coalition has been struggling to gather enough support, and key political meetings are ongoing to secure the needed votes.
Khan’s letter claims that these amendments will undermine judicial independence and make it harder for him and his party to challenge cases, including potential trials in military courts. His legal team emphasized that the changes could also harm the protection of human rights in Pakistan.
In the meantime, key political figures, including President Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, are in talks with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to rally support for the constitutional amendments.