In an effort to build consensus on the 27th Constitutional Amendment, a government delegation led by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq held a key meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders on Friday. The meeting took place in the Speaker’s Chamber.
According to sources, the government sought PTI’s support for the proposed amendment, emphasizing that the changes are “of great importance in the national interest” and assuring that the amendment will not affect provincial autonomy.
The government delegation included federal ministers Azam Nazir Tarar and Rana Sanaullah, while the PTI side was represented by Asad Qaiser, Junaid Akbar, Atif Khan, and Shahram Tarakai.
Opp demands written draft
Sources said the PTI delegation refused to give an assurance of support and instead demanded the agenda for the amendment in writing. PTI leaders conveyed that any decision regarding the amendment would be taken by the party’s founder, reaffirming that the leadership must first review the written proposal.
Also Read: PPP rejects most points of 27th Amendment
The PTI delegation also demanded the immediate appointment of the opposition leader in the National Assembly. However, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq explained that the process was delayed due to the matter being sub judice in the Supreme Court, and that the written court decision would soon be submitted to the Assembly Secretariat.
Govt reaches out to JUI leadership
Alongside PTI consultations, the government has also initiated contact with the leadership of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) to seek its support for the amendment. According to sources, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has been approached both by government representatives and by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for consultation on the draft.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman has demanded a complete written draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment before making any commitment.
To finalize its stance, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called a consultative meeting of party leaders at his residence in Islamabad before departing for Karachi. According to Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, the session will include members of parliament and the JUI Central Executive Committee (CEC).
The meeting will focus on the party’s strategy for the 27th Amendment and discuss recent meetings with both the government and opposition parties.
Petition against 27th Amendment
Meanwhile, a constitutional petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan challenging the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, raising concerns about its potential impact on the powers and jurisdiction of the higher judiciary.
The petition, filed under Article 184(3) of the Constitution by senior lawyer Barrister Ali Tahir, focuses on safeguarding the powers of judicial review vested in the Supreme Court and high courts under articles 184(3) and 199.
Also Read: Federal cabinet meeting postponed over PPP’s amendment stance
According to the petitioner, these powers form the fundamental pillars of the Constitution and cannot be abolished, suspended, or replaced by any parallel system. The plea argues that the proposed amendment, if passed, would effectively paralyse the judicial system and render the courts ineffective in constitutional matters.
The petition seeks to secure the jurisdiction of the higher courts before the amendment is enacted, warning that its passage would prevent the Supreme Court and high courts from hearing constitutional petitions and challenges.
“The independence of the judiciary and the authority of judicial review are universal democratic principles that must be protected,” the petition states. It further urges the Supreme Court to safeguard its own jurisdiction and that of the high courts, while allowing other non-controversial parts of the amendment to be reviewed at a later stage.
The petition also cites international judicial precedents to support the argument that judicial independence and review powers are essential components of constitutional democracy worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has categorically rejected almost all points of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, with Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari declaring that the party will not compromise on provincial rights and financial autonomy.
Speaking to the media after a meeting of the Central Executive Council (CEC), Bilawal said the PPP had turned down every proposal in the amendment draft except one. “We categorically reject the proposal to change the NFC Award and abolish the provincial share,” he asserted. “Under no circumstances will the PPP support this.”
Charter of Democracy principles
Bilawal reiterated that the Charter of Democracy (CoD) had clearly stated the need for a constitutional court — an idea the party still supports. However, he emphasized that such a court must reflect equal representation from all four provinces to ensure true federal balance and justice.
“Our opinion is that the constitutional court should have equal representation from all provinces,” Bilawal said, reaffirming the PPP’s long-standing commitment to provincial parity in constitutional matters.
Bilawal also announced that the PPP’s Central Executive Council would reconvene today (Friday) after prayers to continue deliberations on the proposed amendment. He added that the party’s stance on protecting provincial rights and ensuring equality among provinces would guide further discussions.
