United Nations Human Rights chief Volker Turk has expressed concern that the “unexpectedly adopted” twenty sixth Constitutional Modification would undermine the independence of the judiciary.
The UN rights chief’s remarks got here days after the coalition authorities managed to cross the contentious twenty sixth Constitutional Modification invoice, empowering the nation’s parliament to select the subsequent Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP).
In a publish on X (previously Twitter), Turk mentioned that the amendments have been “adopted unexpectedly and with out broad session and debate”.
“Constitutional reforms have to be in keeping with worldwide human rights legislation,” the assertion added.
The passage of the contentious bundle drew sturdy criticism from the opposition and attorneys neighborhood, with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vowing to launch a protest motion throughout the nation.
The Human Rights Fee of Pakistan (HRCP) has additionally expressed sturdy reservations over sure points of the amendments.
The amendments introduced quite a few adjustments to the nation’s judicial system, together with taking away suo motu powers, formation of constitutional benches, and efficiency evaluations of excessive court docket judges.
In mild of the contemporary amendments, a Particular Parliamentary Committee nominated Justice Yahya Afridi as the subsequent chief justice of Pakistan (CJP).
After nomination, President Asif Ali Zardari appointed Justice Afridi below clause 3 of Article 175A learn with Articles 177 and 179 of the Structure, in accordance with a notification issued by the Ministry of Regulation and Justice right this moment.
It acknowledged that the president was happy to nominate Justice Afridi as the subsequent chief justice “for a time period of three years with impact from” October 26.
Highlights of the invoice
- Chief Justice of Pakistan’s (CJP) tenure mounted at three years.
- Constitutional benches to be established on the SC and excessive courts.
- Senior-most choose of every bench to function presiding officer.
- Parliamentary committee to appoint new CJP from panel of three most senior judges.
- Committee to suggest identify to PM, who will then ahead it to president for last approval.
- JCP, led by CJP and three others, chargeable for appointment of SC judges.
- JCP to observe judges’ efficiency, report any issues to Supreme Judicial Council.
- Full eradication of Riba (curiosity) from nation by January 1, 2028.