Pakistan govt ally confirms opposition to rollback of provincial autonomy amid amendment talks

Pakistan’s government faces mounting political scrutiny as it advances plans for the 27th constitutional amendment, a measure that could significantly reshape governance, provincial powers, and the distribution of national resources.

Amid these developments, Shazia Marri, a senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and a key coalition ally, has made clear that her party will not support any rollback of the landmark 18th Amendment or changes to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, signaling potential friction within the government ahead of parliamentary deliberations.

PPP leader Shazia Marri told reporters in Karachi on Thursday that her party remains firmly committed to protecting provincial rights. “The Pakistan Peoples Party has a very clear stance on this - we will never step back. Rolling back the 18th Amendment is simply not possible. If the government seeks the PPP’s support, we will not be part of any such move,” she said outside the Bilawal House.

Marri emphasized that while the party opposes any erosion of provincial authority, it remains open to constitutional reforms that could improve governance, strengthen institutions, and provide tangible benefits to citizens. “We will consider proposals that enhance Pakistan’s governance system and ensure better service delivery to the public,” she added.

Central Executive Committee to review Amendment

The PPP is convening its Central Executive Committee (CEC) at the Bilawal House to examine the draft of the 27th Amendment in detail. Marri noted that while the meeting was not originally scheduled, “matters were brought forward that prompted us to call the meeting.” She said the party would engage all relevant forums, including legal teams, before deciding on any support.

Marri also referenced a recent statement by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approached the party with proposals regarding the amendment during meetings with the PML-N delegation on November 3. “The chairman has said he will bring these proposals to the PPP’s highest forum, the Central Executive Committee, for thorough consideration,” Marri explained.

Key provisions of the 27th Amendment

Officials familiar with the draft describe the proposed 27th Amendment as a sweeping reform package. Among the main measures are the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court, potential re-centralization of sectors such as education and population planning, revisions to the NFC Award, and changes to Article 243, which governs the chain of command of the armed forces.

Observers warn that these proposals could effectively roll back elements of the 18th Amendment, enacted in 2010, which granted substantial autonomy to provinces. Critics argue that the reform package may tilt Pakistan’s governance structure toward centralization, sparking political debate both within the coalition and among provincial leaders.

Government sources indicate that if the PPP reaches a consensus during its upcoming CEC meeting, the amendment could be introduced in a joint session of Parliament as early as mid-November. Officials point to the rapid passage of the 26th Amendment in October 2024 as a precedent for swift legislative action.