27th Constitutional Amendment: PPP ready to amend Article 243, but not others

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday underlined the need for caution and consensus over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, asserting that any constitutional reform must remain faithful to the Charter of Democracy (CoD) and the spirit of the 18th Amendment.

Speaking to journalists after the second day of the PPP Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, Bilawal confirmed that while the party supports certain provisions of the amendment — particularly Article 243 — it maintains reservations over others, including transfer of judges.

“One thing is clear — we will support Article 243. But the question of constitutional courts requires deeper consideration,” Bilawal said. “The Charter of Democracy does mention the formation of a constitutional court, but it must come with consensus on all its related points.”

Bilawal disclosed that the CEC held two days of intense discussions, focusing primarily on judicial reforms proposed in the 27th Amendment. He underscored that while there was agreement on “three or four key points,” the PPP would not compromise on core constitutional principles, especially those enshrined in the 18th Amendment and the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

“If the government can secure another two-thirds majority for changes to the NFC or the 18th Amendment, that is their choice — but the People’s Party will never compromise on these,” he asserted.

The PPP chairman criticized the government’s intention to limit the President’s consultative role in judicial transfers, calling it contrary to the Constitution’s original framework. He reiterated the party’s stance that consultation with the President must remain intact and that judicial transfers should be conducted through a transparent, consultative process.

“The government seems eager to end both the court and consultation process, transferring these powers solely to a parliamentary committee,” Bilawal noted. “We believe that the President’s consultative role is constitutionally protected and must be respected.”

Bilawal also highlighted the party’s proposal that the Chief Justice of the relevant court should not hold voting rights in decisions about judicial transfers — a suggestion aimed at maintaining neutrality within the judiciary.

Despite differences, Bilawal said the PPP remains open to cooperation, provided the government agrees to a comprehensive implementation of the Charter of Democracy, not a selective one.

“We cannot cherry-pick from the Charter of Democracy. If we are to create a constitutional court, then the other agreed reforms must also move forward together,” he maintained.

The ongoing CEC meeting, attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, Faryal Talpur, Murad Ali Shah, Sherry Rehman, Qamar Zaman Kaira and other senior leaders, also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to decentralization and strong local governments, citing Sindh as a model of local empowerment.

Bilawal concluded on a note of balance, indicating that while the PPP is ready to approve the 27th Amendment on agreed points, it will stand firm against any move that undermines provincial autonomy or constitutional consultation mechanisms.