Daily Times

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has described the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment as historic during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was accompanied by former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider while Prime Minister’s advisor Rana Sanaullah and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq were also reported to have attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Bilawal emphasised the need to work together for the strengthening of democracy and parliament, stating that the 26th Constitutional Amendment will be effective in curbing undemocratic forces.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif credited the approval of the 26th Amendment to all coalition parties, reaffirming their commitment to public service. He noted that positive economic indicators are leading to a noticeable decrease in inflation.

It is important to note that just a few days ago, the government secured the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment in both the National Assembly and Senate, although opposition parties, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), expressed reservations regarding the amendment.

Last week, President Asif Ali Zardari, officially approved the 26th constitutional amendment, with the gazette notification issued shortly after.

The notification, released by the National Assembly, confirms that the 26th Amendment is now an Act of Parliament and has officially become law.

The amendment, passed by both the Senate and the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority, is now in effect nationwide.

The 26th constitutional amendment has been enacted following the publication of the official gazette, cementing its place within Pakistan’s legal and constitutional framework.

Separately, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has voiced support for the 26th constitutional amendment, which he says will create a pathway to prevent the premature dismissal of prime ministers.

Addressing the media in Lahore after a polo match on Sunday, Bilawal refrained from commenting on political matters but responded to queries regarding his absence from the Chief Justice’s swearing-in ceremony.

“I wasn’t in Islamabad for the ceremony as I chose to spend my weekend here. It’s my right to spend my weekend wherever I please,” he said. “The Chief Justice’s ceremony was well attended by others, but it’s a weekend, and I too deserve a break,” he added.

During the event, Bilawal praised the inclusion of female polo players in the tournament and expressed gratitude to Lahore’s administration for hosting what he called a “spectacular event.” He said, “It’s refreshing to see women playing alongside men in polo. PPP has always promoted such programmes.”

The PPP leader also highlighted the breast cancer awareness efforts being made at the tournament, which includes international participation.

“This month focuses on breast cancer awareness, and this tournament is helping spread a positive message worldwide,” Bilawal stated, encouraging young people to engage more actively in sports.