Larkana, November 30,2025: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday cautioned that any move to roll back the 18th Constitutional Amendment or alter the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award would be tantamount to “playing with fire,” signalling the party’s firm stance on provincial autonomy ahead of the upcoming NFC meeting on December 4.
Addressing a large public gathering in Larkana on the 58th foundation day of the PPP, Bilawal underscored the significance of the amendment passed during his party’s previous government. “If there is any power in any amendment after the 1973 Constitution, it is in the 18th Amendment,” he said, stressing that the devolution of powers to the provinces remains non-negotiable.
Bilawal’s remarks come in the wake of the recently approved 27th Constitutional Amendment, which the PPP supported in collaboration with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He revealed that the PML-N had proposed additional amendments relating to Article 243 and the executive magistracy system — moves he said could have diluted the constitutional protections secured by the PPP for federating units.
“The federal government intended to remove the protections we had ensured for the provinces, but the PPP did not allow it,” he said. “We fulfilled the Charter of Democracy by forming a Constitutional Court and giving all provinces equal representation.”
He said that whenever the PPP introduces a constitutional amendment, “it brings revolutionary legislation,” adding that the party took the opportunity to abolish a “dictatorial-era amendment” and strengthen civilian constitutional structures.
Bilawal expressed hope that the newly formed Constitutional Court would address key national issues and deliver “immediate relief to the common people.” He also criticised those attempting to make the court controversial, asserting that the institution would prove them wrong through its performance.
Reaffirming the supremacy of Parliament, Bilawal insisted that legislation was the exclusive domain of the legislature. “We will not allow any institution to interfere in the sphere of the House,” he said. “PPP will not support any decision that weakens the federation.”
Turning to national security, the PPP chairman lauded the armed forces for what he described as their decisive success in the recent conflict with India. Pakistan shot down seven Indian Air Force jets — including three Rafale fighters — and dozens of drones, he said. The three-day war, which began earlier this year, ended on May 10 after a ceasefire was brokered by the United States.
“By shooting down seven Indian aircraft, our Air Force has made Pakistan’s name famous all over the world,” he told supporters. However, he warned that India was “still adopting conspiratorial methods to destabilise Pakistan,” adding that the nation must remain united against terrorism.
“When it comes to the security of Pakistan, we all have to fight together,” Bilawal said, reiterating that the PPP remains committed to “positive politics” and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
