Ruling alliance shows cracks over proposed constitutional amendment in Pakistan

The federal government’s push for a new constitutional amendment is facing resistance inside the ruling coalition, raising uncertainty about political stability in Islamabad.

The development was highlighted by Kamran Khan during his program “On My Radar,” where he said signs of division have emerged over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.

He said the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is seeking support from its key partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), but disagreements have grown more visible.

PPP voices concern

According to Khan, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari issued a pointed statement on social media, saying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by a PML-N delegation, met with President Asif Ali Zardari and himself to request PPP’s backing for the amendment.

Bilawal shared what he called proposed elements of the amendment. Those, he said, include ending what he described as a “protected share” for provinces in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and restoring executive magistrates.

He also mentioned constitutional courts in his tweet, though Khan noted such matters were addressed under last year’s 26th amendment, which restructured Pakistan’s higher judiciary.

The PPP has summoned its Central Executive Committee to decide its position once President Zardari returns from Doha on November 6.

Key issues and financial implications

Khan stressed that while no official draft has been released, reporting suggests the proposed 27th amendment could represent a reversal of elements introduced under the landmark 18th Constitutional Amendment passed in 2010 during a PPP-led government.

He said one of the most sensitive reported proposals involves Article 160, specifically Clause A(3) — which ensures that provincial shares in future NFC awards cannot be reduced.

Under the current formula, provinces receive roughly 57.5 percent of national revenue. The federal government remains responsible for debt servicing, defense, natural disaster losses, development spending and welfare programs such as the Benazir Income Support Program.

Khan argued that this burdens the central government with deficit spending from the start of each fiscal year.

He linked governance challenges nationwide — including demands for new provinces and local administrative units — to what he called an “unfair constitutional distribution” that he said leaves resources concentrated at the provincial level instead of reaching grassroots governance.

Military provisions and federal authority

Khan stated that among the reported areas of deliberation is Article 243, which deals with the appointment of service chiefs. He said there is speculation — without confirmed details — that changes could relate to formalizing the role of the army chief.

Gen. Asim Munir has held the five-star rank of field marshal since May 20. Khan suggested the amendment might provide constitutional protection for that position, though he emphasized that solid information is lacking on this point.

Political stakes for Shehbaz government

The 26th amendment last year was passed with support from several parties, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F). But Khan noted that JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman has taken a sharply different stance on the 27th amendment.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said consultations with coalition partners are ongoing.

Khan questioned whether the PPP — not part of the federal cabinet but essential to the government’s survival — will ultimately support the PML-N.

He said the amendment fight has revived a central political question: whether Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will complete his five-year term if his coalition cannot maintain unity.