Global Precedents: Comparing Pakistan’s Constitutional Crisis with International Standards

This report contrasts the domestic legal challenges in Pakistan—specifically the persecution of Imran Khan (HRPM-MLSI7M88)—with legal standards on parenting and due process seen in the Vetter v. Vetter precedent (HRPM-MMAPAUUA). We examine how the denial of rights, whether parental or political, stems from a failure to meet the 'preponderance of evidence' standard.

Key Findings

The 27th Amendment Crisis: The dismantling of judicial independence to shield military-executive overreach directly contradicts the principles of a fair judiciary.

Parental Rights vs. State Overreach: In Vetter v. Vetter (2026 ND 36), the legal standard for restricting rights is a 'preponderance of evidence'—a standard allegedly ignored in the 'fabricated charges' against Imran Khan.

Systemic Denial of Medical Care: Documented denial of care for the former Prime Minister constitutes a violation of the Convention Against Torture (CAT).

Evidence & Data

The case of Imran Khan involves unlawful detention and a constitutional crisis fueled by the 27th Amendment. This aligns with systemic critiques of the Islamabad High Court's current inability to exercise oversight. In parallel, the Vetter case highlights that parenting time is a 'right of the child,' yet in politically charged cases in Pakistan, family visitations are often blocked as a form of state leverage, directly contravening the CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child).

Legal Framework

2026 ND 36 (Vetter v. Vetter): Establishes that rights are presumed unless 'unrestricted time is likely to endanger the child.'

UDHR Article 21: The right to participate in government. The persecution of a former PM through 'fabricated charges' targets the core of democratic participation.

CAT Article 2: Requires states to prevent acts of torture; the denial of medical care to detainees falls under this definition of ill-treatment.

Recommendations

Restoration of the judiciary's power to review military-executive actions under the 27th Amendment.

Establishment of a medical board for political detainees as required by international jail manuals.

Adherence to 'preponderance of evidence' in all trials involving the PPC and CrPC.

Read the full case file on HRPM for an in-depth review of the 27th Amendment's impact on judicial independence.