Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reiterated support for the proposed amendment to Article 243 and expressed approval for the establishment of a Constitutional Court. He emphasized that other points included in the Charter of Democracy must also be discussed to strengthen the democratic framework.
Speaking after the meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee in Karachi, Bilawal said that the PPP had already agreed to support the amendment to Article 243. He noted that the concept of a Constitutional Court was part of the Charter of Democracy, and the government has now proposed its creation through the 27th Amendment. He said the party supports the proposal in principle, but further consultation is needed on additional points.
Bilawal stated that the PPP has prepared its own proposal regarding the transfer of judges. He explained that the party suggests that the chief justice of the court from which a judge is being transferred and the chief justice of the court to which the judge is being transferred should both be part of the commission responsible for making the decision. This commission may also summon the concerned judge to seek their input.
He said the party has not reached an internal consensus on issues such as dual nationality, the Election Commission, and other related matters; therefore, PPP cannot support the remaining points of the 27th Amendment at this stage.
Bilawal added that under the NFC Award, a province’s share can increase but cannot be reduced, and the PPP will continue to safeguard provincial rights. He reaffirmed his party’s commitment to strengthening the local government system and noted that its constitutional protection was achieved due to PPP’s efforts. However, he stressed that the party has consistently opposed non-party-based local government elections.
Regarding political consultations, Bilawal clarified that when the Pakistan Muslim League-N approached the PPP regarding the 27th Amendment, they did not mention any proposal related to local government elections.
Responding to a question, Bilawal said that the 27th Constitutional Amendment does not affect the powers of the President of Pakistan or undermine civilian supremacy in any way.
