In Islamabad, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Nadeem Afzal Chan confirmed on Monday that his party has not received a formal draft of the proposed 27th Amendment to the Constitution. Chan added that without sharing the text, meaningful discussions cannot begin.
He pointed out that while PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had publicly addressed the government’s request for support in passing the amendment, the actual wording remains unseen by the party’s core decision-making body. A central committee meeting is scheduled for November 6, at which Chan said the matter will be reviewed — but only after the draft is shared.
Meanwhile, comments from other parties reflect additional concerns. Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khurram Dastgir reminded that while the federal government handles foreign debt, provinces have limited capacity to contribute, hinting at the financial implications of proposed constitutional changes. At the same time, Italy Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser described the amendment as an attempt to roll back provincial autonomy, suggesting it must be opposed. Senator Ali Zafar predicted that PPP may eventually support the amendment despite the initial reservation.
Highlights of the planned amendment, as shared by Bilawal on the social platform X, include the establishment of a new Constitutional Court, transfer of judicial oversight powers, and changes to Article 143 — which defines the supremacy of federal laws over provincial ones in cases of conflict. These proposed changes have raised questions about whether the reform would undermine the landmark 18th Amendment that underpins provincial rights in Pakistan.
Chan emphasized the government bears responsibility to clarify all aspects of the amendment for the public. Until the draft is formally shared, the PPP will withhold its stance and engage in internal consultations.
