Pakistan coalition split widens over 27th Amendment debate

Political tensions are rising as Pakistan’s ruling coalition and opposition divide over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, which includes major changes to immunity laws, accountability, and civilian authority over the armed forces.

Sources involved in Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) negotiations say disagreements center on presidential immunity and the future of the National Accountability Bureau, Pakistan's main accountability body.

What PPP wants?

The PPP is demanding post-tenure immunity for the president under Article 248, extending legal protection beyond time in office.

Currently, immunity ends after a president or governor leaves office, allowing courts to resume criminal proceedings.

The PPP argues the amendment would restore constitutional safeguards it says were “unlawfully eroded” during former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry’s tenure.

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PPP concerns date back to the 2009 National Reconciliation Ordinance judgment that revived corruption cases against former President Asif Ali Zardari.

The party has also renewed its push to abolish NAB and replace it with a parliament-supervised independent accountability body.

PPP leaders describe the shift as part of a pledge in the 2006 Charter of Democracy.

The amendment package includes creation of a Federal Constitutional Court, restoration of executive magistrates, and adjustments to the National Finance Commission Award.

A proposal from PML-N for immunity for the prime minister was dropped on the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A bipartisan committee chaired by Khawaja Asif is finalizing the draft text.

The PPP endorsed changes to Article 243 — related to command of the armed forces — on November 7.

Any constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and Senate.

Lawmakers say the process remains fragile as negotiations continue.

With the stakes escalating, the 27th Amendment could become another flashpoint in Pakistan’s ongoing struggle over accountability, military influence, and democratic integrity.