Federal Government Pushes 27th Amendment, Needs PPP Backing

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has proposed a comprehensive 27th Constitutional Amendment, handing the draft to the PPP for support. The amendment seeks major structural changes in Pakistan’s judiciary, federal-provincial power balance, and financial distribution. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally requested PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari to back the amendment. The government needs a two-thirds parliamentary majority for passage, making PPP’s support crucial. The announcement signals an ambitious move to reshape the country’s governance framework.

The draft aims to remove constitutional protection for provincial shares under the NFC Award. Article 160 and Clause 3A, which guarantee provincial revenue, are targeted. Officials say the move would centralize financial authority in the federal government. Critics warn this could weaken provincial autonomy established by past amendments. Supporters argue it will streamline federal-provincial revenue distribution and improve national financial management.

Judicial restructuring is a major component of the amendment. Article 191A is set to be abolished, and a new article would establish a Constitutional Court. The change would alter the hierarchy of judicial authority and constitutional interpretation. Amendments to Article 200 would regulate High Court judge transfers. Legal experts note this may significantly impact Pakistan’s judicial independence and accountability.

The draft also proposes reversing some 18th Amendment subjects, including education and population planning, returning them to federal control. Article 243 would place Armed Forces command firmly under civilian federal authority. Additionally, Article 213 would be modified to simplify the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner. The government says these measures aim to resolve longstanding administrative and governance challenges.

PPP holds the key to the amendment’s passage. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari confirmed that the party’s CEC will meet on November 6 to decide its stance. The government is pressing for full support to secure the two-thirds majority in both parliamentary houses. Analysts say the amendment could redefine federal and provincial relations and strengthen central governance. The coming weeks will determine whether the 27th Amendment can become a landmark legislative achievement.

Read More : PML-N Seeks PPP’s Support for 27th Constitutional Amendment, Says Bilawal Bhutto

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has revealed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has formally sought his party’s support for the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Bilawal said that a PML-N delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with President Asif Ali Zardari and himself to discuss the proposed amendment.