Amnesty International on Tuesday said that the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment is a systematic and sustained attack on the independence of the judiciary, right to fair trial and the rule of law in Pakistan.
The global human rights watchdog urged immediate review of the controversial amendment.
According to Amnesty International, the 27th Constitutional Amendment was passed after five days of intense debate in parliament, protests by the opposition, and last-minute changes. The amendment has been strongly criticized for undermining judicial independence through the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court and for altering the command structure of the armed forces by amending Article 243 of the Constitution.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amnesty International said that this amendment represents the culmination of a systematic assault on judicial independence, the right to a fair trial, and the supremacy of law in Pakistan.
Amnesty said the amendment provides immunity from accountability to the President and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
PAKISTAN: The 27th amendment to the Constitution, passed in November 2025, marks a significant regression and is part of a direct and sustained assault on judicial independence, right to fair trial and the rule of law in Pakistan. The amendment violates international human rights…
— Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office (@amnestysasia) January 6, 2026
According to the organization, Pakistani authorities must urgently take all necessary measures to ensure the impartiality, independence, and security of judges so they can perform their judicial duties without undue interference, pressure, or threats of any kind.
Amnesty said that the amendment violates international human rights law, particularly by undermining judicial independence, fair trial rights, justice, and accountability.
The global organization demanded that Pakistani authorities uphold their international human rights obligations, ensure effective protection of everyone’s rights in the country, provide victims with access to justice and effective legal remedies, and respect the separation of powers and the rule of law.
According to Amnesty International, the Federal Constitutional Court established as a result of the 27th Amendment lacks independence and weakens protections for judges.
The organization pointed out that despite the amendment’s far-reaching implications, it was passed without any consultation with civil society or opposition parties.
