PTI terms 27th constitutional amendment an ‘attack on provincial autonomy’
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly opposed the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, declaring it an assault on provincial autonomy and democratic principles. The party vowed to resist the amendment “at all levels” through protests both inside and outside the Parliament.
The stance came during a PTI Parliamentary Party meeting held at the National Assembly, chaired by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, with senior party leadership and members of the National Assembly in attendance. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi also participated in the meeting.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the PTI parliamentary party said:
“The 27th Constitutional Amendment is an attack on provincial autonomy and is against democratic principles. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is the protector of the Constitution, democracy, and the rights of federal units, and will not allow any unconstitutional amendment to be passed.”
The participants agreed to launch a vigorous protest movement against the proposed amendment both within the National Assembly and outside, calling it an effort to undermine the 1973 Constitution, which they termed “a unanimous national agreement.”
Demand for appointment of opposition leader
The PTI parliamentary party also demanded immediate appointment of the opposition leader in both the National Assembly and the Senate, arguing that this step is essential to restore a “true democratic balance” within Parliament.
The meeting decided to prioritize the appointment of the opposition leader in the Senate, describing the delay as detrimental to parliamentary functioning.
Resolutions passed
The parliamentary party unanimously passed a resolution to reinstate Ahmed Chatha (President Central Punjab) and Bilal Ijaz (General Secretary) in accordance with the directives of PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan.
Another resolution called for an immediate meeting between Imran Khan and KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, urging the federal and Punjab governments to facilitate the meeting without delay.
Defence of 1973 Constitution
Party leaders reiterated that PTI would stand firm in defence of the 1973 Constitution, warning against any attempt to alter its core federal structure.
“All democratic forces must unite against unconstitutional amendments,” the statement added. “The current Parliament, being a product of Form 47, lacks the moral authority to make changes to the Constitution.”
The PTI leadership concluded that it would continue to act as a custodian of provincial rights and constitutional democracy, emphasizing that any attempt to dilute provincial autonomy would be resisted through political, legal, and parliamentary means.