PPP Backs Amendment to Article 243 Under 27th Constitutional Amendment After CEC Meeting
PPP Backs Amendment to Article 243 Under 27th Constitutional Amendment After CEC Meeting
KARACHI – November 7: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced on Friday that the party has decided to support proposed changes to Article 243 of the Constitution — which defines the powers of the armed forces — as part of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the PPP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, Bilawal said the party’s top leadership had debated the proposed constitutional amendments, including the formation of constitutional courts, for two days.
“In the 27th Amendment, the amendment to Article 243 must be accepted,” Bilawal said. “The CEC agrees in principle with the idea that constitutional courts should be formed.”
The PPP chairman added that the party also discussed the “unfinished agenda items” from the Charter of Democracy (CoD).
“We will engage with the government and see which other points we can reach a consensus on,” he said. “If we can reach an understanding with the incumbent government on items left incomplete under the CoD, it will be a welcome step.”
Judges’ Transfer and Judicial Commission
Bilawal said the PPP had submitted its recommendations regarding the proposed mechanism for the transfer of judges under the 27th Amendment.
“The government’s proposal is to end the president’s consultation role and give this authority entirely to the parliamentary committee,” he explained. “The PPP believes the president should initiate the transfer process, and if the judicial commission is to play a role, that’s acceptable — as it is a forum for serious debate involving senior judges.”
Dual Nationality Debate
On the issue of dual nationality, Bilawal said the party was “not in a position to vote right now,” indicating differing views within the party ranks.
He summarized that there are “three main areas” where the PPP is inclined to extend support — amendments to Article 243, formation of constitutional courts, and reforms concerning the transfer of judges.
“If the PML-N agrees and both the incoming and outgoing chief justices are part of the judicial commission, the PPP will vote for these changes,” he added.
Firm Stand on NFC Award
Reiterating PPP’s long-held stance, Bilawal said the party would strongly oppose any move to alter the National Finance Commission (NFC) award in a way that reduces provincial shares.
“The Constitution clearly says that the NFC share can only increase, not decrease,” he stated. “The PPP will defend this and will not accept any attempt to undermine provincial rights.”
Local Bodies and Provincial Autonomy
Bilawal also spoke about the importance of strong local government systems, crediting the PPP for ensuring constitutional protections for them.
“If you compare local body systems in all four provinces, Sindh’s system has the most political, administrative, and financial autonomy,” he said.
Criticizing recent legislation in Punjab that abolished the office of mayor, Bilawal questioned, “If we did that in Sindh, what would your reaction be?”
“Every province has its own context, but Sindh has the strongest local government framework,” he asserted. “We are open to discussions on improving it further.”
CEC Deliberations Continue
Sources within the PPP said the CEC’s discussions on the 27th Amendment began after Friday prayers and continued through the day. Party insiders confirmed that while the PPP supports the amendment to Article 243, it has rejected proposals to federalize education — a subject devolved to provinces — and to alter the NFC formula.
The party also indicated conditional support for the creation of constitutional courts, provided equal representation is ensured for all provinces.
“We will never compromise on the financial rights of the provinces,” Bilawal emphasized.
The PPP’s final position on the full scope of the 27th Amendment is expected after continued consultations with the government in the coming days.
