Government widens talks with coalition on major 27th constitutional amendment - Assalamu alaikum
Assalamu alaikum. ISLAMABAD: The government has expanded discussions with its coalition partners about the proposed 27th constitutional amendment, the prime minister’s office said on Thursday, as political negotiations pick up ahead of the bill’s likely presentation in parliament.
Leaders say talks are underway with major parties in the ruling alliance, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), with the aim of securing the two-thirds parliamentary support needed for any constitutional change.
According to those involved, the amendment would create a new constitutional court, bring back executive magistrates, change how federal revenue is shared with the provinces, and alter provisions for appointments of senior judges and military leadership within the constitution.
The prime minister met a four-member PML-Q delegation led by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, his office said, and consultations on the draft amendment were held.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said his party was also asked to back the proposal, noting that it includes setting up a constitutional court, restoring executive magistrates, transfer of judges, removing protection of provincial share in the NFC award, amending Article 243, returning education and population planning to the federation, and resolving the deadlock on appointing members of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
The National Finance Commission (NFC) award decides how federal tax revenue is divided among provinces and is a key part of Pakistan’s federal setup. Executive magistrates once gave local officials limited judicial powers over minor matters - a system removed in 2001 to separate judicial and executive roles. Article 243 covers command of the armed forces and how military leadership is appointed on the prime minister’s advice. The mention of breaking the ECP appointment deadlock refers to ongoing disagreements over how the country’s top electoral officials should be nominated and approved.
Constitutional amendments have often reshaped the balance between the legislature, judiciary and provinces. The 27th would follow the 26th amendment from October 2024, which gave parliament a role in appointing the chief justice and created a panel of senior judges to hear constitutional cases - moves critics said weakened judicial independence.
Pakistan’s 1973 constitution has been amended more than two dozen times, often reflecting shifts between civilian and military influence. Changes to the NFC award are especially sensitive because they affect provincial autonomy and the federal compact.
Legal experts warn this amendment could be among the most significant in decades, potentially altering judicial oversight, the military command framework and provinces’ financial autonomy. The government has not yet said exactly when the amendment will be formally tabled in parliament.
The largest opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has vowed to oppose the amendment and is demanding that the full draft be released for public scrutiny.
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