PPP Rejects Major Points of 27th Constitutional Amendment, Bilawal Bhutto Stands Firm on Provincial Rights

Islamabad, Friday, November 7, 2025: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has strongly opposed most of the proposals in the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, saying it will not allow any move that affects provincial rights or the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, after chairing the Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, said the PPP had rejected every key clause of the amendment except one minor point. “We categorically reject the proposal to change the NFC Award and abolish the provincial share,” Bilawal told reporters. “Under no circumstances will the PPP support this.”

Bilawal Reaffirms Commitment to Charter of Democracy

Bilawal said the Charter of Democracy (CoD) clearly mentioned the creation of a constitutional court, and the PPP still supports that idea. However, he stressed that such a court must include equal representation from all four provinces.

“Our stance is simple — all provinces must have equal say in constitutional matters,” he said. “We will never compromise on the principle of equality and federal balance.”

CEC Meeting to Continue Discussions

The PPP’s Central Executive Council will meet again today (Friday) after Friday prayers to continue internal discussions on the proposed amendment. Bilawal said the PPP’s position on protecting provincial autonomy and ensuring equal rights would remain unchanged in all future consultations.

PM Shehbaz Intensifies Consultations with Coalition Partners

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has accelerated efforts to build consensus on the 27th Amendment. He held meetings with leaders of PPP, MQM, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), and PML-Q to discuss the bill.

Sources said the meetings focused on constitutional changes, financial distribution, and political implications. The goal is to reach a mutual understanding before the bill is presented in the Senate.

PPP Delegation Meets Prime Minister

A high-level PPP delegation met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House. The meeting included Irfan Qadir, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and Sherry Rehman from the PPP.

Representing the government were Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan.

After the meeting, the PPP team left for Karachi via Noor Khan Airbase to attend another CEC session. The party is expected to finalize its strategy before the bill moves to Parliament.

The government has decided to form a joint parliamentary committee to review the amendment. Sources said Farooq H. Naek is expected to head the committee, which will include members from both government and opposition parties.

The Senate is likely to approve the formation of the committee tomorrow. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq will seek names of members from all parliamentary groups. The committee will have two days to review and present its recommendations on the proposed constitutional changes.