Pakistan on Sunday voiced deep concern over what it called “ungrounded and misplaced apprehensions” expressed on behalf of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the 27th constitutional amendment, which was adopted by a two-thirds majority in parliament. 

In a statement on Sunday, the Foreign Office said that, as in all parliamentary democracies, all legislation and amendments to the Constitution remain the exclusive domain of the elected representatives of the people of Pakistan.

It added that democracy and democratic methods form the bedrock of civil and political rights, and must be respected.

The Foreign Office stressed that the amendment was adopted in full accordance with procedures laid out in Pakistan’s constitution.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, the Foreign Office said it attaches importance to the work of the High Commissioner but regretted that the country’s position and “ground realities” were not reflected in the UN statement.

“We urge the high commissioner to respect the sovereign decisions of Pakistan’s parliament and avoid commentary that reflects political bias and misinformation,” the statement added.