Bilawal Warns Against Rolling Back 18th Amendment, Calls Attempts ‘Playing With Fire’

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has cautioned that any attempt to reverse the 18th Constitutional Amendment or the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award would be tantamount to “playing with fire,” issuing a strong warning during a public rally in Larkana marking the 58th foundation day of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Speaking to party workers and supporters, Bilawal emphasized the centrality of the 18th Amendment within Pakistan’s constitutional framework. “If there is any power in any amendment after the 1973 Constitution, it is in the 18th Amendment,” he said, reiterating that the PPP would not support any move that undermines provincial autonomy.

His remarks come just days before the NFC meeting scheduled for December 4, heightening political attention on the issue of resource distribution between the federation and provinces.

Bilawal also referred to the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment, noting that the PPP had collaborated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on the change. He said the PML-N had proposed alterations affecting Article 243 and the executive magistracy system, but he stressed that the PPP ensured that constitutional protections for provinces remained intact.

He asserted that PPP-led amendments are always aimed at “revolutionary legislation,” adding that the party seized the opportunity to remove provisions from the “dictatorial era.” Bilawal expressed hope that the newly formed Constitutional Court would address key national issues and “provide immediate relief to the common people.”

However, he warned that “Some people are trying to make the Constitutional Court controversial,” expressing confidence that the court would disprove such attempts through its performance. He reiterated that legislation is solely Parliament’s domain and that no institution would be allowed to interfere. “PPP will not support any decision that weakens the federation,” he declared.

Commenting on current political tensions, Bilawal said the country is facing a serious political crisis that must be resolved through dialogue and democratic means.

During his speech, the PPP chairman also praised the armed forces for their performance in the recent conflict with India. Pakistan reportedly shot down seven Indian Air Force fighter jets — including three Rafale aircraft — along with several drones, before the 87-hour conflict concluded with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10.

“By shooting down seven Indian aircraft, our Air Force has made Pakistan’s name famous all over the world,” Bilawal said, accusing India of attempting to destabilize Pakistan through “conspiratorial methods.” He urged unity on national security, stating, “We all have to fight together.”

Bilawal concluded by asserting that the PPP remains the only party committed to “positive politics” in the country.