Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday vowed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would strongly oppose the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a direct threat to provincial autonomy guaranteed under the 18th Amendment.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, Afridi said any move undermining the democratic mandate of the provinces would be resisted. “We will not allow anyone to rob provincial rights. This amendment is an attack on the Constitution and the federation,” he said.

The proposed 27th Amendment, backed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, seeks to create a Constitutional Court, amend Article 243 regarding the command of the armed forces, and alter provisions of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. It also includes proposals for executive magistrates and judge transfers.

Afridi criticised these changes, saying the federal government owed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa its rightful share under the NFC Award. “KP’s share is 19.4%. Our due amount exceeds Rs7.5 billion. There will be no compromise on autonomy,” he added.

Also Read: Punjab schools to recruit teacher Interns

Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, addressing the National Assembly, also rejected the amendment, warning it would upset the balance between the Centre and provinces. “This proposal violates the spirit of the 18th Amendment,” he said.

Separately, PTI lawmakers submitted a resolution seeking permission for the KP chief minister to meet PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, terming the meeting a constitutional and democratic requirement.