ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN: The government’s proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment has stirred a nationwide debate, with political leaders, legal experts, and analysts warning it could mark a rollback of the historic 18th Amendment — a cornerstone of Pakistan’s provincial autonomy.
The 18th Amendment, passed in 2010, was celebrated as a democratic milestone that devolved power from the federation to the provinces, granting them greater control over education, health, and fiscal resources. However, the newly proposed 27th Amendment seeks to revisit several of these devolved subjects, raising fears of centralisation.
Among the proposals are the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court, revival of executive magistracy, transfer powers regarding appointment and transfer of judges, and amendments to Article 243, which concerns the appointment of services chiefs. The plan also includes altering the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, potentially reducing the provinces’ share from the divisible pool — a move that could directly impact provincial budgets and development programmes.
Senior leaders from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), especially from Sindh, have voiced strong opposition. A senior PPP member cautioned, “This is not reform — it’s a reversal. The 18th Amendment was about empowering the provinces. Undoing it will weaken the federation, not strengthen it.”
Legal experts have echoed similar concerns. Constitutional lawyer Salahuddin Ahmed described the amendment as “a dangerous shift towards excessive central control,” warning that such measures could erode judicial independence and democratic balance.
Political observers argue that while parts of the amendment, such as establishing a constitutional court, may be welcomed for judicial clarity, any move that undermines provincial rights or fiscal autonomy will likely face fierce resistance both inside and outside parliament.
As discussions unfold, the proposed 27th Amendment stands as a defining test for Pakistan’s democracy — between strengthening governance and safeguarding the spirit of federalism enshrined in the 18th Amendment.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.