Karachi, November 7, 2025: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced that his party would support amendments to Article 243, which defines the powers of the armed forces, under the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the PPP Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, Bilawal said the committee had held detailed discussions over two days on the formation of constitutional courts, agreeing “in principle” to the idea.
“In the 27th Amendment, the amendment to Article 243 must be accepted,” Bilawal stated. He added that the meeting also reviewed unfinished agenda items from the Charter of Democracy (CoD).
“We will engage with the government and see which other points we can reach a consensus on,” he said. “If a consensus can be reached on pending CoD items, it would be a welcome step.”
Bilawal also confirmed that the PPP had shared its recommendations on the proposed mechanism for the transfer of judges.
“The government’s proposal is to remove consultation with the president and leave the decision with the parliamentary committee,” he said. “Our view is that the president should initiate the transfer, or if the judicial commission is to be involved, that too would be acceptable, as it’s a forum for serious debate.”
Earlier, the PPP appeared divided over the broader 27th Amendment package but expressed readiness to support changes to Article 243.
At a meeting held late Thursday at Bilawal House, Bilawal said the party would continue deliberations on the government’s proposed constitutional changes but reaffirmed that the PPP “can never compromise on the financial rights of the provinces.”
Party insiders said Friday’s CEC session, which began after prayers, focused on unresolved issues. Except for Article 243, the PPP has not agreed to other proposals so far.
They noted that the party’s support for constitutional courts would depend on equal provincial representation, while it had rejected proposals related to the provincial share in the NFC Award and federalising education, which was devolved to provinces under the 18th Amendment.
