ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has firmly denied allegations of any foreign involvement in the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, asserting that the move is entirely a government-led initiative aimed at strengthening the constitutional framework through due process and consultation.
Addressing the Senate, Dar clarified that no “external hand” had influenced the drafting of the amendment and that it would be introduced only after discussions with all coalition partners. He assured that the government intends to follow a transparent and inclusive approach, engaging with parties such as the PPP, MQM, ANP, BAP and others to ensure consensus before moving forward.
The Deputy Prime Minister explained that while constitutional amendments are traditionally tabled in the National Assembly, the government may present this one first in the Senate to facilitate early review and feedback from legislators. He emphasized that the amendment was being pursued through the “standard constitutional process” without any pressure or interference from external quarters.
Opposition lawmakers, however, voiced strong objections. PTI Senator Ali Zafar labeled the proposed amendment as a “conspiracy against the Constitution,” warning that it could undermine the spirit of the 18th Amendment, which restored provincial autonomy and judicial independence. He accused the government of concealing the true origins of the draft, claiming “someone else is writing the amendment for them.”
During the heated session, PTI senators staged a protest, tearing up copies of the Senate agenda and demanding the appointment of a new Leader of the Opposition. Dar supported their demand in principle but noted that the Senate Chairman must first verify the majority before making any formal announcement.
Meanwhile, the Upper House also passed the Asaan Karobar Bill 2025, aimed at simplifying the business regulatory framework through a national one-window system, and extended the Virtual Assets Ordinance 2025 for another 120 days.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.