ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday to approve the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment was postponed after the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — a key coalition partner — rejected major proposals contained in the amendment package.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was expected to finalize the amendment before its presentation in Parliament. However, due to PPP’s objections, the 27th Amendment Bill will not be tabled in the Senate today as originally planned. Officials confirmed that the cabinet will now reconsider the draft after the prime minister’s two-day visit to Azerbaijan, delaying the legislative process.
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PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the party opposes proposals that could alter or reduce provincial shares under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award), stressing that the PPP will not support any move that weakens provincial autonomy. “We support the amendment to Article 243,” Bilawal said, “but will resist any attempt to curtail provinces’ constitutional rights.”
Although the amendment was expected to be presented in the Senate today, it does not appear on the session’s formal agenda. Government sources remain confident, however, claiming the ruling coalition commands at least 65 votes in the 96-member Senate — enough to pass the bill even without Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) support. The government also expects backing from the Awami National Party (ANP) and several independent senators.
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Efforts continue to bring JUI-F senators on board to further consolidate government strength in the upper house as negotiations resume after the prime minister’s return.