Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has dismissed as “baseless” media reports hinting at possible legislation for a 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Speaking to journalists in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Bilawal clarified that neither the prime minister, any federal minister, nor party colleagues had discussed the matter with him. He stressed that the 26th Constitutional Amendment was passed through consensus and compromise among political parties.
Highlighting PPP’s original push for the creation of constitutional courts, he said a compromise was reached in favour of a constitutional bench to secure national agreement. In a post on X, Bilawal described the 26th Amendment as a “permanent success,” noting that judicial reforms and the concept of constitutional courts were part of the Charter of Democracy.
At present, no official word has been issued regarding the 27th Amendment. While some consultations are reportedly taking place within the ruling PML-N and among legal experts, no draft has been prepared, according to the Business Recorder.
On the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, Bilawal stressed the urgency of updates, pointing out that the current arrangement predates the 18th Amendment of 2010, which devolved significant powers to the provinces without revising the NFC formula. He maintained that a new award should be announced every five years and insisted that provincial shares must not be reduced.
He urged for an immediate NFC meeting to finalize a new formula that ensures provinces receive resources in line with their enhanced responsibilities under the 18th Amendment.
