The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has categorically rejected almost all points of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, with Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari declaring that the party will not compromise on provincial rights and financial autonomy.
Speaking to the media after a meeting of the Central Executive Council (CEC), Bilawal said the PPP had turned down every proposal in the amendment draft except one. “We categorically reject the proposal to change the NFC Award and abolish the provincial share,” he asserted. “Under no circumstances will the PPP support this.”
Charter of Democracy principles
Bilawal reiterated that the Charter of Democracy (CoD) had clearly stated the need for a constitutional court — an idea the party still supports. However, he emphasized that such a court must reflect equal representation from all four provinces to ensure true federal balance and justice.
“Our opinion is that the constitutional court should have equal representation from all provinces,” Bilawal said, reaffirming the PPP’s long-standing commitment to provincial parity in constitutional matters.
Bilawal also announced that the PPP’s Central Executive Council would reconvene today (Friday) after prayers to continue deliberations on the proposed amendment. He added that the party’s stance on protecting provincial rights and ensuring equality among provinces would guide further discussions.
Meanwhile, the government has intensified its efforts to secure approval for the 27th Amendment, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a series of detailed meetings with delegations from key coalition parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and the PML-Q.
The meetings focused on the provisions and political position regarding the proposed amendment. Discussions were described as comprehensive and aimed at building consensus among coalition partners to ensure smooth passage of the bill.
PPP delegation meets PM Sharif
A high-level PPP delegation met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the 27th Amendment in detail. The meeting featured in-depth consultations on the proposed constitutional changes and their implications.
The PPP delegation included Irfan Qadir, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and Sherry Rehman. Representing the government were Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, alongside Rana Sanaullah and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan.
After the meeting, the PPP delegation departed for Karachi via Noor Khan Airbase in a special plane to attend the party’s Central Executive Committee meeting, where the amendment and coalition developments are expected to be discussed further.
Moreover, the government also decided to form a joint parliamentary committee to examine the clauses of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Sources divulged on Thursday that it is expected that the committee will be headed by Farooq H. Naek. All government and opposition parties will be represented in the committee. The 27th Constitutional Amendment will be presented in the Senate tomorrow.
The Senate will approve the formation of the joint committee to review the amendment. Sources said the Senate chairman will seek names for the parliamentary committee from National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
Sources added that all parliamentary parties, including the opposition, will be included. The committee will be given two days to consider the amendment.
