PPP Throws Weight Behind Constitutional Amendment
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has officially declared his party's support for the government's proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, specifically endorsing changes to Article 243. The announcement came following a two-day Central Executive Committee meeting where party leaders deliberated on the constitutional package.
Consensus Reached on Key Provisions
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Bilawal confirmed that PPP will support and vote for the amendment to Article 243, describing the move as appropriate and justified. He emphasized that the party believes in providing constitutional and legal cover to government decisions that have earned Pakistan respect internationally, particularly following recent diplomatic successes.
The PPP leader revealed that while his party has largely agreed with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on most clauses of the constitutional package, several areas remain contentious. The CEC meeting could not reach consensus on proposals concerning dual nationality, the Election Commission, and executive magistracy, meaning the party cannot currently support those specific constitutional changes.
Constitutional Court and Judicial Reforms
Bilawal highlighted that the establishment of a Constitutional Court forms part of both PPP's election manifesto and the Charter of Democracy. He expressed willingness to engage with the government on implementing other unfinished agenda items from the CoD through consensus-building during the amendment process.
Regarding judicial reforms, the PPP chairman welcomed the proposed changes to the transfer process of High Court judges. He suggested that while the President should initiate the process, Chief Justices of relevant High Courts should be made voting members of the Parliamentary Judicial Committee, and the judge in question should be summoned to hear their opinion, ensuring transparency.
Protecting Provincial Rights
In a strong message about provincial rights, Bilawal made it clear that PPP will never compromise on constitutional protections for provinces' financial shares in the NFC Award. He pointed out that the Constitution explicitly states that provincial shares can only be increased, not decreased.
The PPP leader also addressed local government systems, noting that Sindh's local government enjoys greater political, administrative, and financial autonomy compared to other provinces. He reiterated PPP's long-standing opposition to non-party-based local government elections and emphasized that the constitutional protection for local government elections exists because of PPP's efforts.
Bilawal clarified that the 27th Constitutional Amendment will not impact presidential powers or civilian supremacy, addressing concerns about potential erosion of democratic safeguards. He also rejected the impression that the 18th Amendment has created difficulties for the federation, noting that provinces took on additional responsibilities without proportional increases in financial resources.
With major coalition partners including PPP providing support, the ruling PML-N is expected to easily achieve the required majority to pass the 27th Constitutional Amendment in the National Assembly next week.
