ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held extensive consultations with ruling coalition partners to secure support for the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment, with the government expected to table the bill in the Senate within days.
According to sources, the premier has convened a federal cabinet meeting today (Friday), where the amendment will top the agenda. The move to present the amendment in parliament is expected soon after cabinet approval. PM Shehbaz is also scheduled to leave for Azerbaijan later in the day for a one-day official visit.
Read More: Clarity on 27th Amendment expected soon
While the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has reiterated its firm stance to protect the 18th Amendment, other government allies have conditionally agreed to support the proposal, provided provincial autonomy remains untouched. Reports also suggest that the prime minister may form a parliamentary committee to refine the amendment and build consensus, though this remains unconfirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has submitted its own version of additions to the 27th Amendment, calling for autonomous local governments under Article 140-A. MQM leaders, including Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Mustafa Kamal, met JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to seek support for constitutional protection of the local government system. The party argued that empowering local bodies would ensure that “powers and resources reach the people’s doorsteps.”
Read More: Opposition unites against proposed 27th Amendment
Meanwhile, the PPP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, chaired by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari at Bilawal House, drew a red line against any alteration to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award that determines provincial shares. Bilawal confirmed the party could only support limited amendments to Article 243, allowing for a new position of Strategic Command, a Field Marshal rank, and adjustments in the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee’s role, but rejected any financial rollback of provincial powers.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, speaking to the media, maintained that discussions among political parties were proceeding in a “positive environment”, insisting there were “no major roadblocks” to passing the amendment.
Read More: PM assures MQM-P of support in 27th Constitutional Amendment
However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan challenged the government’s authority to alter the Constitution, claiming the current parliament “lacks a genuine two-thirds majority” needed for such amendments. He warned that the proposed 27th Amendment could undermine the federation and the provinces, calling it a “threat to constitutional balance.”
The coming days are considered crucial as the government pushes to move the 27th Amendment in the Senate first, followed by the National Assembly, amid mounting political debate and public scrutiny.