Ruling coalition looks to introduce 27th Amendment following 26th Amendment passage
In Lahore, a meeting took place between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, where discussions revolved around the potential introduction of a new constitutional amendment, informally referred to as the 27th amendment. This amendment aims to reform local governments and address issues that were overlooked in previous legislation.
Sources indicated that the meeting included key leaders from both parties, though no official agenda was released. However, a brief statement from the PM Office highlighted discussions on the political landscape of the country. PM Shehbaz acknowledged the PPP as a crucial ally, commending their support for the government’s efforts to ensure economic stability.
The PPP delegation praised the government’s economic policies and expressed confidence in the measures being implemented across various sectors. Media reports suggested that Bilawal emphasized the importance of collaboration for the betterment of parliament and democracy, while also asserting that the recent amendment would help counter undemocratic forces.
PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to coalition partners for their role in passing the 26th Amendment with a two-thirds majority and noted that improving economic indicators were contributing to a decline in inflation.
After the meeting, Bilawal downplayed questions regarding the discussions, mentioning that his visit was primarily to attend a polo match in Lahore. Nevertheless, insiders confirmed that the proposed 27th Amendment was indeed a topic of discussion at PM Shehbaz’s residence.
The talks also involved the demand from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) for enhanced local governance. The MQM had backed the 26th Amendment with the expectation that their concerns regarding local governments would be addressed in future legislation.
Attendees at the meeting included ex-PM Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, Syed Naveed Qamar, and Barrister Murtaza Wahab from the PPP, as well as PML-N representatives Rana Sanaullah and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
PPP Punjab leader Barrister Amir Hasan noted that provincial issues and other relevant matters were discussed, emphasizing the need for collaboration on various fronts, including completing the Charter of Democracy agenda, amending NAB laws, implementing judicial reforms, and protecting the integrity of parliament.
Following the meeting, Rana Sanaullah clarified that the special parliamentary committee responsible for the 26th Amendment would remain active. He denied any groundwork being laid for the 27th Amendment, asserting that both parties agreed to focus on finalizing the 26th Amendment first, with future amendments to be introduced through consensus.
Sanaullah also stated that the constitutional benches proposed under the 26th Amendment should exclude controversial judges and that Chief Justice Yahya Afridi should refrain from leading these benches.
