RAWALPINDI: As the ruling coalition government strives to secure the magic numbers to execute its planned constitutional amendments, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has written to the United Nations warning that the prospective tweaks to the Constitution, if they come into effect, would threaten judicial independence and human rights in the country, The News reported on Tuesday.
The publication, citing doughtystreet.com.uk, added that the former prime minister has filed an urgent appeal to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers Margaret Satterthwaite via Edward Fitzgerald KC and Tatyana Eatwell and Jennifer Robinson — both of whom have been instructed by Khan’s family to conduct UN engagement and international advocacy on his behalf.
This is not the first time the incarcerated ex-premier has written to an international body regarding domestic political matters as previously he has reached out to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging the global lender to hold an audit of the February 8 polls — marred by rigging allegations — before approving any new loan for Islamabad.
The move had drawn a strong reaction from the incumbent government with ministers censuring the cricketer-turned-politician for allegedly risking the country’s economic stability for political interests.
The prospective constitutional tweaks in discussion, include inter alia extension of judges’ retirement age and formation of a constitutional court, and have been staunchly opposed by Khan and his party.
The constitutional package, initially expected to be tabled last month, was postponed after the government failed to secure the necessary numbers in the parliament owing to the special nature of the legislation which requires the approval of a two-thirds majority in both houses.
In his appeal to the UN official, Khan has expressed concerns regarding the prospective 26th constitutional amendment saying that the legislation poses a serious threat to the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights of the people of Pakistan, including for him and his supporters.
The appeal also urges the UN special rapporteur to issue an urgent communication to Islamabad on the said matter.
