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Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Tuesday that the government will engage all coalition partners and stakeholders before finalizing the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, emphasizing a transparent and inclusive legislative process.
Committee to Review Draft Legislation
Dar confirmed that the amendment draft will be submitted to a parliamentary committee for comprehensive deliberations. The deputy prime minister stressed that coalition partners will have representation in the Senate committee overseeing the process, with multiple standing committees, including the Finance Committee, participating in discussions.
Addressing Concerns Over Provincial Autonomy
Critics have expressed concerns that the proposed amendment may dilute the 18th Amendment, which guarantees provincial autonomy. However, government officials cite the federal government’s financial challenges as justification for revising the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah explained that the changes aim to establish fiscal equilibrium between federal and provincial finances, addressing budgetary imbalances that have strained the Centre’s resources.
Constitutional Court Proposal Resurfaces
The complications arising from the recently passed 26th Amendment, which established the Supreme Court Constitutional Bench, have renewed discussions about creating a separate Constitutional Court—an idea originally outlined in the historic Charter of Democracy.
Senate to Review First
Speaking on the Senate floor, Dar outlined the legislative roadmap, indicating that Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar would present the amendment bill initially in the Senate rather than the National Assembly. This approach allows upper house senators to engage in preliminary review and debate.
Dar called for professional, non-personal discourse during the legislative process, urging lawmakers to maintain decorum while debating constitutional matters.
Leadership Vacancy Highlighted
The deputy prime minister also noted the urgent need to appoint a new Leader of Opposition in the Senate, a position that has remained vacant following recent disqualifications.
The government’s consultative approach signals its recognition of the amendment’s significance and the necessity of building broad-based political consensus for constitutional changes affecting Pakistan’s federal structure and judicial framework.
