Table of Contents
The federal government has intensified efforts to pass the 27th Amendment, firmly assuring political stakeholders that provincial powers granted under the 18th Amendment will remain untouched.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration demonstrated confidence on Wednesday by engaging coalition partners and opposition parties in comprehensive consultations. The proposed constitutional amendment is expected to be presented in the National Assembly next week, with sessions extended until November 14.
Coalition Confidence Despite PTI Resistance
The ruling coalition maintains strong optimism despite PTI’s parliamentary party rejecting the amendment across all forums. Government strategists believe PTI lacks sufficient numbers to obstruct the legislation, particularly after the coalition secured a two-thirds majority in both houses following the Supreme Court’s verdict on reserved seats.
MQM-P Emerges as Key Supporter
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan has publicly endorsed the amendment, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen local government systems nationwide. An MQM-P delegation met with the prime minister to express support, while Senator Faisal Vawda separately engaged with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Vawda emphasized that the 18th Amendment faces no rollback, though he suggested federal authority to impose governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa if required.
Addressing Provincial Concerns
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry assured the National Assembly that fundamental principles enshrined in the 18th Amendment would remain unchanged. PML-N leader Ikhtiar Wali reinforced this position, stating that no political entity seeks to diminish provincial resources or authority.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar highlighted the amendment’s primary objectives: establishing a uniform education curriculum and creating a Constitutional Court. He acknowledged, however, that no definitive timeline exists for the amendment’s passage.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has been tasked with building consensus, while ministers and parliamentarians have cancelled foreign engagements to remain available for deliberations.
