PM Shehbaz set to take allies into confidence on 27th Amendment

ISLAMABAD: The consultation process to build consensus on the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment is gaining momentum, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set to hold an important meeting with coalition partners on Thursday.

According to sources, the Prime Minister will meet delegations of allied parties to discuss the amendment in detail. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar is expected to brief coalition leaders on the key features of the proposed changes, while the Prime Minister will seek their support and confidence.

On the opposition front, deliberations are also underway. Late last night, an opposition delegation met JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The delegation included Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Asad Qaiser, and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. The meeting focused on the draft of the amendment and its broader political implications.

PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira stated that the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) will review the 27th Amendment during its upcoming meeting.

He emphasized that the 18th Amendment is an integral part of Pakistan’s Constitution, and while constitutional amendments are not unlawful, it is crucial to assess the suitability and implications of the proposed change.

Kaira recalled that the PTI had backed out of the 26th Amendment, which, according to him, caused dissatisfaction for Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He also reiterated that the PTI founder no longer holds any legal position within the party, which is now headed by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.

Meanwhile, Maulana Fazlur Rehman also met Senator Faisal Vawda to discuss the overall political landscape and the 27th Amendment.

Sources said Vawda briefed the JUI-F chief on the proposed changes, acknowledging Maulana’s significant historical role in democratic and parliamentary affairs and expressing hope for a positive contribution this time as well.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman responded that he had so far only learned about the amendment through media reports. As “guardians of the Constitution,” he said, JUI-F believes the draft must be made public before any conclusive opinion can be formed.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure the devolution of powers to local governments under the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.

MQM-P delegation met the Prime Minister at the PM House, where detailed discussions were held on the amendment.

Sources said the MQM-P delegation included Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Dr. Farooq Sattar.

During the meeting, MQM-P leaders pressed the Prime Minister to incorporate provisions in the 27th Amendment that would empower local governments and strengthen the municipal system.

The federal government’s coalition is preparing to introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment, and sources indicate that the bill is expected to be passed by both Houses of Parliament within the current month.