ISLAMABAD: A political deadlock continues between the PML-N-led federal government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. On Friday, the PPP rejected several key clauses of the draft, agreeing only to changes in Article 243 related to armed forces appointments.
The government postponed the federal cabinet meeting, initially set to approve the amendment, following PPP’s stance. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasized that any proposal affecting provincial autonomy or the NFC Award formula would be unacceptable. The party also insisted on equal provincial representation in the proposed Constitutional Court.
Coalition allies, including MQM-Pakistan and PML-Q, voiced support for the amendment, while opposition parties in the Senate criticized the government for bypassing parliamentary consultation. They accused the ruling coalition of concealing amendment details and attempting to “bulldoze” legislation.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah stated that consensus had been partially reached and clarified that the 18th Amendment remains untouched. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer confirmed progress but noted the amendment would not be tabled immediately.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser rejected any constitutional changes, arguing that the current Parliament lacks authority and criticized the government’s actions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House.
The draft amendment proposes creating a Commander of Defence Forces post to enhance coordination among the army, navy, and air force. It also plans a seven-member Constitutional Court, with judges retiring at 68. Justice Aminuddin Khan is likely to head the new court, with additional appointments from Sindh and Balochistan High Courts under consideration.
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