On Monday, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari disclosed that a delegation from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, met him and President Asif Ali Zardari to seek their backing for the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Bilawal revealed that the proposed amendment seeks to establish constitutional courts, restore the executive magistrate system, and make key adjustments in the transfer of judges. It also includes changes to Article 243—which defines the command and control of Pakistan’s armed forces—and addresses contentious issues such as the return of education and population planning to the federation and revisions to the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, which governs the distribution of financial resources between the federation and provinces.
The PPP leader warned that some proposals could dilute provincial autonomy won under the 18th Amendment, which devolved powers to the provinces. He said the party would thoroughly review the proposal in a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting scheduled for November 6 at Bilawal House, Karachi, after President Zardari’s return from Doha.
In a separate statement, Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik confirmed ongoing discussions, clarifying that while no draft has been finalized, the government aims to address long-pending governance and judicial gaps. He said that setting up constitutional courts remains an “unfinished agenda” to ensure a more specialized judicial structure.
Malik explained that the restoration of executive magistrates would help reduce the burden on regular courts by handling minor administrative and criminal matters at the local level. He emphasized that education and population control require a “federal framework” for consistency, adding that disparities in curriculums and policies among provinces have created “gaps in national cohesion.”
On Article 243, Malik said it must be updated following the recent elevation of Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, a development that, he argued, needs proper recognition within the constitutional structure. The proposal also seeks to end deadlocks in appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner, ensuring smoother functioning of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The push for the 27th Amendment follows the controversial 26th Amendment, passed in October 2024 during an overnight parliamentary session. That law, which redefined the tenure and powers of the Chief Justice and gave parliament a greater role in judicial appointments, remains mired in legal challenges. Critics, including PTI, have accused the government of trying to control the judiciary and centralize power.
Despite the criticism, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) has supported the idea, saying it could bring long-needed judicial reforms and promote nationwide rotation of judges to improve transparency.
Also Read: Air Karachi first flight date
The matter has also surfaced in meetings between Bilawal and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, with both leaders reportedly discussing parliamentary cooperation on the proposed legislation.
Analysts say the 27th Amendment could reshape the country’s balance of power, either strengthening governance through accountability—or risking centralization that may undo decades of provincial empowerment.
