The government has intensified its efforts to secure approval for the 27th Amendment, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a series of detailed meetings with delegations from key coalition parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and the PML-Q.
The meetings focused on the provisions and political position regarding the proposed amendment. Discussions were described as comprehensive and aimed at building consensus among coalition partners to ensure smooth passage of the bill.
PPP delegation meets PM Sharif
A high-level PPP delegation met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the 27th Amendment in detail. The meeting featured in-depth consultations on the proposed constitutional changes and their implications.
The PPP delegation included Irfan Qadir, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and Sherry Rehman. Representing the government were Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, alongside Rana Sanaullah and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan.
After the meeting, the PPP delegation departed for Karachi via Noor Khan Airbase in a special plane to attend the party’s Central Executive Committee meeting, where the amendment and coalition developments are expected to be discussed further.
MQM delegation’s meeting
The MQM delegation, led by Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, also held a separate meeting with the prime minister to discuss the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The delegation included Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Dr Farooq Sattar, Javed Hanif Khan, Syed Aminul Haq, and Khawaja Izharul Hassan.
The MQM leadership exchanged views on the constitutional proposal and expressed their party’s stance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity among coalition partners.
Consultations with coalition leaders
The government’s core leadership, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, participated in the broader discussions.
According to a statement from the PM House, all meetings revolved around the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, its legal framework, and political strategy for its passage.
IPP and PML-Q meetings
In a separate meeting, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party President Abdul Aleem Khan met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the government’s ongoing legislative efforts. Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Aun Chaudhry was also present during the discussion.
Additionally, a delegation from the PML-Q, led by Chaudhry Saalik Hussain, met the prime minister to review the amendment proposal and share feedback on key provisions.
Opp announces resistance to amendment
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar has announced that his party will strongly oppose the proposed amendment. Speaking to the media outside the Lahore High Court, he said that the opposition has not yet been informed about the actual draft of the amendment.
Barrister Gohar emphasized that provincial autonomy should not be compromised or tampered with under any circumstances. He stated that when political leaders meet, their discussions should focus on parliamentary matters and national interests.
Commenting on political meetings, he added that there is no harm if anyone meets Shah Mehmood Qureshi, implying that dialogue among politicians should not be viewed negatively.
