Summary
The government is nearing completion of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, expected to include significant defense reforms and propose establishing constitutional courts. While the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has largely agreed to the proposed changes, it stands firm against any alterations to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, aiming to safeguard provincial shares. The bill is anticipated to go before the federal cabinet and Senate later this week.
Government Finalizes 27th Constitutional Amendment Draft
The proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill is nearing its final stages, with the government aiming to present it to the federal cabinet on Friday before its likely introduction in the Senate the same day. This comprehensive legislative package seeks to introduce several key reforms, most notably in the defense sector, alongside other significant changes to the nation’s constitutional framework.
A pivotal element of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment focuses on defense-related clauses designed to enhance coordination and collaboration among the country’s armed forces. This initiative aims to ensure a unified and swift response to any foreign aggression, drawing lessons from recent geopolitical scenarios and the evolving dynamics of modern warfare, where seamless inter-services unification is crucial. SindhNews.com reports that consultations are ongoing across political spectrums.
Addressing Defence Reforms and Article 243
Consultations on amending Article 243 of the Constitution, which governs the command of the armed forces, are a central part of the amendment process. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif affirmed that these discussions are driven by changed defense requirements. Article 243 states, “The Federal Government shall have control and command of the Armed Forces,” and “the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces shall vest in the President.” According to the minister, this entire process is built on mutual consultation among all political parties.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment also proposes the establishment of dedicated Constitutional Courts with representation from every province. Minister Asif highlighted that while constitutional cases constitute only 6% of the total caseload, their complex nature often leads to delays. Currently, judges handling daily cases also manage constitutional matters, prompting the need for specialized bench formations or a separate court system to improve efficiency.
PPP’s Stance and Other Proposed Changes
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawawz (PML-N) has actively engaged its coalition partners, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), to secure widespread support for the amendment. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with a PML-N delegation, met with PPP leaders President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to build consensus.
While the PPP has reportedly agreed to most of the proposed changes, it has expressed strong reservations regarding any amendment affecting the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Party sources indicate the PPP’s firm stance against any move that could compromise the constitutional protection of provincial shares in national resources. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari previously outlined the proposed changes, which include restoring executive magistrates, facilitating the transfer of judges, and potentially re-federalizing education and population planning.
The PPP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) was scheduled to convene in Karachi to finalize the party’s official position on the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. In preparation for the parliamentary vote, the government has directed many treasury MNAs and senators currently abroad to return to Islamabad to ensure smooth passage of the bill.
Conclusion
The government is pushing to swiftly advance the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which seeks to implement significant defense reforms and overhaul parts of the judicial system. While broad political agreement appears to be in place for many aspects, the PPP’s objections to any changes to the NFC Award present a potential challenge. The outcome will depend on continued political consensus-building as the amendment moves through parliamentary stages.