The Pakistan Peoples Party has rejected the majority of provisions within the government’s proposed 27th constitutional amendment, with Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari firmly defending provincial autonomy and National Finance Commission allocations.
Following an extensive Central Executive Committee session at Bilawal House on Thursday, party leadership announced support exclusively for Article 243 modifications while opposing other constitutional changes proposed by the ruling coalition.
President Asif Ali Zardari and senior leader Faryal Talpur participated in the deliberations as the committee scrutinized proposals presented by a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Bilawal informed journalists that the party endorses only amendments restructuring military command positions under Article 243, including renaming the Joint Chiefs of Staff role and establishing a National Strategic Command position. All remaining proposals face either outright rejection or require additional consultation.
The PPP chairman emphasized unwavering opposition to provisions threatening provincial financial rights. “We categorically reject any constitutional clause eliminating protection for the NFC Award,” Bilawal declared, drawing a clear boundary on fiscal federalism.
Regarding the proposed Constitutional Court establishment, Bilawal reiterated the party’s longstanding demand for equitable provincial representation. He referenced the Charter of Democracy while insisting that constitutional courts must reflect Pakistan’s federal character with balanced representation from all provinces.
The government’s comprehensive amendment package includes provisions for reviving executive magistrates, enabling judicial transfers, establishing a Constitutional Court, and addressing Election Commission appointment deadlocks. Controversially, it seeks to transfer education and population planning back to federal jurisdiction while potentially reducing provincial NFC protections.
CEC members expressed widespread concern about speculation surrounding the 18th Amendment’s potential rollback. Senior leadership assured attendees of the party’s steadfast commitment to devolution principles established through previous constitutional reforms.
The committee will reconvene Friday to finalize positions on remaining proposals, particularly the Constitutional Court framework. Party sources indicate legal experts have completed their analysis and submitted recommendations to the political committee for final consideration.
