Coalition Partners Show Starkly Different Approaches to Constitutional Changes
The ruling coalition's two major partners, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have demonstrated fundamentally different approaches to the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment, revealing significant contrasts in their internal democratic processes and party cultures.
Background discussions conducted before and during the tabling of the amendment exposed a complete absence of internal democratic consultation within the PML-N, while the PPP followed a more transparent process involving its senior leadership.
PML-N's Top-Down Approach Raises Questions
Multiple PML-N leaders admitted they lacked clear understanding of the amendment's specifics but expressed unwavering support for whatever measures their leadership introduced. Two anonymous PML-N leaders from Punjab revealed the party was making compromises under pressure, acknowledging the reality of power equations in the center.
One parliamentarian from Central Punjab confessed uncertainty about whether "this is the perfect system or not" but emphasized the need for systemic overhaul to enable smooth functioning. Remarkably, he learned about the amendment details through PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's public disclosure, confirming no internal discussion occurred within PML-N.
The leader also referenced Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal's denial of any draft amendment existing just ten days before the matter became public knowledge. While PML-N members knew "something was in the works," they remained unaware of the actual content until the PPP chairman's revelation.
Another PML-N leader, a former office-bearer who faced pressure during the PTI government, defended the party's position by stating the PML-N "has to survive in this harsh climate." He insisted the decisions weren't made out of free will and that most members understood the necessity behind them.
PPP's Democratic Process Stands in Contrast
In sharp contrast, PPP leaders expressed skepticism and disappointment about the amendment, with one party leader describing it as "rubbing salt on the wounds." The party demonstrated its commitment to internal democracy by convening its Central Executive Committee meeting to discuss the amendment thoroughly.
PPP Information Secretary Shazia Mari detailed the transparent process followed by her party. "There was point-wise reading of the amendment, and nothing was kept from our members," she explained, adding that every aspect received detailed discussion and all opinions were considered.
Mari revealed that even Article 243 initially raised concerns among members, leading to the draft being read aloud to ensure complete understanding. This approach reflects the PPP's established practice of taking key issues before the CEC for collective decision-making.
Leadership Concerns and Institutional Impact
Two PPP leaders from Punjab openly criticized their own leadership for supporting the amendment, expressing concern about "irreparable" damage to the party's reputation. One leader disclosed that former President Asif Ali Zardari recognized the problematic nature of the amendment but feared endangering his son Bilawal by opposing powerful forces.
The other PPP leader expressed disgust at what they were collectively doing, stating that "the judiciary has been practically enslaved by the government."
Regarding concerns about damage to state institutions from both the 26th and 27th Amendments, the PML-N leader suggested that "nothing is being etched on the stone" and expressed hope that everything could be undone when the establishment's influence weakens. He squarely blamed the PTI for forcing the PML-N into making these compromises.
The contrasting approaches highlight fundamental differences in how Pakistan's major political parties handle internal dissent and decision-making processes, raising important questions about democratic norms within political organizations.
