Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has pledged comprehensive consultations with coalition partners and stakeholders regarding the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, announcing that a parliamentary committee will conduct detailed deliberations on the draft legislation.
Transparent Legislative Process Promised
Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, Dar emphasized the government’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive approach. He confirmed ongoing discussions with allied parties on various aspects of the constitutional reform, with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar expected to first present the amendment bill in the upper house.
The legislative process will involve representation from all coalition partners in the Senate committee, along with engagement from standing committees, including the Finance Committee, ensuring broad-based parliamentary oversight.
Provincial Autonomy Concerns Surface
Critics have raised concerns that the proposed amendment could potentially undermine the 18th Amendment, which granted significant provincial autonomy to Pakistan’s federating units. However, government officials cite mounting financial pressures on the federal government as justification for reconsidering the National Financial Commission (NFC) Award distribution formula.
Prime Minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah addressed these concerns, emphasizing the need to establish fiscal equilibrium between federal and provincial governments while maintaining constitutional balance.
Constitutional Court Revival Under Discussion
The amendment also explores establishing a Constitutional Court—a concept originally outlined in the Charter of Democracy. This initiative has gained renewed momentum following complications arising from the 26th Amendment, which created the Supreme Court Constitutional Bench.
Security Concerns Dominate Debate
During his Senate address, Dar criticized previous government policies regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claiming Pakistan continues facing consequences from allowing TTP operatives to return. He referenced the successful counterterrorism campaign during the 2014 PML-N administration, expressing hope that upcoming Pakistan-Afghanistan talks on November 5 will yield positive outcomes.
The deputy PM also highlighted the need to fill the Leader of Opposition vacancy in the Senate, vacant since Shibli Faraz’s disqualification, emphasizing its importance for parliamentary functioning.
