Lahore, May 16,2026: Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Saturday said that any process related to a proposed constitutional amendment would only move forward with political consensus, adding that there were currently no indications of a 28th Constitutional Amendment.
Speaking to media in Lahore, the minister emphasized that the coalition government would not proceed unilaterally on any constitutional changes.
“We are a coalition government; how can we proceed with constitutional amendments without consultation?” he said, underscoring the need for agreement among allied parties.
Tarar said the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) would first consult its coalition partners in parliament and move forward only after receiving a clear “signal” from them.
He added that all stakeholders would be taken on board for dialogue on key national issues, noting that past consensus-based processes — including arrangements from 2009 — could serve as a useful model.
“Nothing is clear yet; the contours of any amendment become visible once a draft is prepared,” he said.
His remarks come in line with statements from Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who recently denied that any immediate discussions were taking place on a 28th Constitutional Amendment.
Earlier, State Minister for Law Aqeel Malik also rejected speculation that any such amendment would reverse the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
He described such impressions as “extremely false,” saying no rollback was under consideration.
Tarar further said the federal government was currently dealing with multiple governance and policy challenges, including matters related to the National Finance Commission (NFC), proposals for a Saraiki province, and strengthening local government systems.
He noted that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) had been advocating for empowered local governments, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tasked him with building consensus on the party’s proposals.
The minister also highlighted that coordination between the Prime Minister and President Asif Ali Zardari would play an important role in advancing consultations on key constitutional and governance matters.
