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Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has confirmed it has not received an official draft of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, despite the government seeking its crucial support for parliamentary passage.
PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan disclosed that party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari publicly shared the government’s request with citizens, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding constitutional changes.
Constitutional Court Revival Proposed
The 27th Amendment centers on establishing a dedicated Constitutional Court, a longstanding commitment dating back two decades. This initiative was originally outlined in the Charter of Democracy, signed by late Benazir Bhutto and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, which later produced the landmark 18th Amendment.
While the recent 26th Amendment created Constitutional Benches within the Supreme Court and provincial high courts, ongoing controversy has prompted discussions about a separate Constitutional Court.
Provincial Autonomy Concerns
The proposed amendment has triggered alarm across political parties due to provisions potentially reversing key 18th Amendment protections. Critical concerns include:
- Removal of provincial National Finance Commission (NFC) share protections
- Transferring education and population planning authority back to federal control
- Amendments to Article 143, strengthening federal supremacy over provincial legislation
PTI leader Asad Qaiser characterized the proposal as an assault on provincial autonomy, urging unified opposition against centralization efforts.
PPP’s Dilemma
The amendment tests PPP’s commitment to the 18th Amendment, considered the party’s signature legislative achievement. The PPP Central Committee will convene on November 6 to deliberate the matter.
Chan emphasized that substantive discussions would commence only after receiving the government’s formal draft, stating it remains the administration’s responsibility to clarify constitutional changes to the public.
PML-N’s Khurram Dastgir defended federal authority, noting provinces contribute minimally toward foreign debt management despite limited central resources.
JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza suggested the amendment proposal emerged after his party opposed certain 26th Amendment provisions.
