Pakistan’s Political Landscape: The 27th Amendment Debates
The Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Central Executive Committee (CEC) has firmly rejected key provisions of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, particularly those impacting the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. While approving modifications to Article 243, the party insists on no compromise regarding provincial autonomy and the NFC Award. This article delves into the details of the PPP’s stance and the implications for the proposed constitutional changes.
The 27th Amendment, sought by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), aimed to introduce several significant constitutional adjustments. Among these were provisions for a Constitutional Court, amendments to Article 243 concerning the supreme command of the armed forces, and modifications affecting provincial shares in the NFC Award. Other proposals included introducing executive magistrates and provisions for transferring judges.
At a late-night CEC meeting in Karachi, chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari and party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the PPP solidified its viewpoint. Addressing a press conference alongside Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced the party’s unequivocal rejection of any proposal to alter the NFC formula. He emphasized that for the PPP, there would be no compromise on the NFC Award and Article 160, Clause 3A of the Constitution.
The proposed 27th Amendment, according to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, involved a push by a PML-N delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to secure the PPP’s backing. While the PPP’s CEC permitted the proposed amendment to Article 243, which concerns the supreme command of the armed forces, it categorically rejected all other constitutional changes proposed in the package. The party firmly opposes any move to roll back the provincial autonomy secured under the 18th Amendment.
PPP leader Shazia Marri echoed this sentiment from Karachi, stating that the party would not support any alteration that compromises the powers granted to provinces. She highlighted that the PPP, through constitutional struggle, achieved provincial autonomy and would not endorse any initiative that weakens provincial rights. For more updates, visit SindhNews.com. Marri also clarified that the party is amenable to amendments that improve governance, administrative function, or provide public relief, provided they do not undermine provincial authority.
The passage of the 27th Amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament. The PML-N-led government currently holds 237 members in the National Assembly against the required 224 for a constitutional amendment. This includes 125 PML-N, 74 PPP, and allies like MQM-P (22), PML-Q (5), and IPP (4). In the Senate, the ruling alliance has 61 members, needing 64 for a two-thirds majority. This means they would require support from at least three additional senators from parties like JUI-F or ANP if their own alliance members are not sufficient.
The PPP’s firm stance on the NFC Award and provincial autonomy signifies a major hurdle for the proposed 27th Amendment. While open to selective constitutional reforms, the party’s unwavering commitment to protecting provincial rights leaves the future of the broader amendment package uncertain, necessitating further political negotiations if the government wishes to proceed.