ISLAMABAD – Pakistan: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has approached the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to secure its backing for the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari confirmed on Monday, signalling a new phase of political negotiations between the coalition partners.
During a media briefing, Bilawal revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led a PML-N delegation to meet him and President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss the amendment package. He said the PPP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) will convene on November 6 in Karachi to determine its official stance.
The proposed amendment reportedly includes several key changes, such as the establishment of a constitutional court, revival of the executive magistracy system, and revisions to Article 243 concerning command and appointments within the armed forces. It also suggests returning certain devolved subjects — including education and population planning — to federal jurisdiction, and amending procedures for appointments to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Legal and political observers have raised concerns that the proposed changes could undermine the autonomy gained through the 18th Amendment. Critics argue that re-centralising authority may reverse decades of progress toward provincial empowerment and judicial independence.
Despite growing debate, government officials have clarified that consultations are still in early stages and no formal draft has been finalised. However, the discussions have already reignited tensions between parties over the balance of power within Pakistan’s constitutional framework.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.