Politics · India Bureau
India slams Pakistan's rule of law credentials at United Nations
India has sharply criticized Pakistan at the UN General Assembly, asserting that Islamabad lacks credibility on judicial independence given its military's dominance in governance. The rebuke came during a Sixth Committee discussion on the rule of law.
LSN India ·
India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations rejected Pakistan's remarks on the rule of law during a General Assembly session on Friday, with Counsellor R. Mythili delivering a formal Right of Reply. "It is ironic to hear lectures on rule of law from a nation whose own record makes a mockery of it," Mythili said, highlighting what she characterized as a fundamental contradiction in Pakistan's position.
Mythili emphasized that Pakistan's military establishment effectively wields decisive power over judicial and constitutional matters within the country, undermining any claims to uphold the rule of law internationally. "A state that places its military rulers beyond the reach of its own courts is in no position to lecture on the rule of law in this committee," the Indian representative stated.
The Indian delegation specifically referenced Pakistan's 26th Constitutional Amendment, describing it as a significant setback for judicial independence. According to India's assessment, the amendment represents an institutional shift that further concentrates authority outside civilian and judicial oversight, reinforcing the pattern of military dominance that characterizes Pakistan's governance structure.
The exchange underscores broader tensions between the two nations on issues of governance and democratic institutions, with India using the UN forum to challenge Pakistan's international advocacy positions on matters where domestic practices remain contested.