ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office of Pakistan (FO) has rejected recent remarks by the UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, on judicial independence in Pakistan. The FO also criticized a letter from US Congress members to President Biden, which questioned Pakistan’s human rights and governance record. FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch called the letter “undiplomatic” and urged both the UN and US to avoid making uninformed comments on Pakistan’s internal affairs.
The criticism from the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights came after the 26th Amendment to Pakistan’s Constitution was enacted. This amendment, which passed amid intense political debate, raised concerns from Turk, who questioned the speed of its adoption. In a social media post, he expressed worry over a lack of consultation, suggesting that the amendment could undermine judicial independence in Pakistan.
Rejecting Turk’s comments, Baloch asserted that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) should focus on “actual and severe human rights violations” globally. She labeled the UN’s conclusions as “misinformed,” claiming they were based on media reports, social media posts, and speculative political analyses. “These unwarranted conclusions fail to capture the true nature of Pakistan’s recent constitutional developments,” she said.
FO Denounces US Congress Members’ Letter
Alongside its rejection of the UN’s statements, Pakistan’s Foreign Office also criticized a letter from over 60 US Congress members urging President Biden to call for the release of political prisoners in Pakistan, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This letter marks the first collective appeal by US lawmakers addressing political detentions in Pakistan.
In response, FO Spokesperson Baloch expressed hope that the US Congress would avoid engaging in Pakistan’s internal political matters. She underscored that such letters “violate inter-state conduct and diplomatic norms,” which could strain Pakistan-US relations. Baloch emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, stating, “Such statements do not align with the positive dynamics of Pakistan-US bilateral relations.”
Calls for Strengthening Pakistan-US Relations
The Foreign Office urged US lawmakers to play a constructive role in strengthening ties rather than being drawn into Pakistan’s domestic political controversies. Baloch emphasized that maintaining diplomatic respect is crucial for productive international relationships, and she reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering a positive relationship with the US.
The FO’s statement highlighted Pakistan’s stance that both UN and US representatives should avoid interference in domestic issues, particularly in areas sensitive to Pakistan’s governance and legal framework.
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