Islamabad, November 7, 2025: A deadlock between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government and its key coalition partner, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), persisted on Friday over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, as the PPP continued to oppose several key clauses of the draft.
During the second day of its Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, the PPP reaffirmed its opposition to most provisions of the amendment, agreeing only to the proposed changes in Article 243, which pertains to appointments within the armed forces.
Following the PPP’s stance, the government postponed the federal cabinet meeting scheduled for today, which was expected to approve the draft amendment for tabling in Parliament.
On Thursday, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari reiterated his party’s position, rejecting any proposal that might undermine provincial autonomy or alter the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award formula.
He further demanded equal representation for all four provinces in the proposed Constitutional Court.
Meanwhile, coalition partners — including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) — reaffirmed their support for the government’s amendment plan.
However, opposition parties in the Senate rejected the proposal outright, accusing the ruling coalition of bypassing parliamentary consultation.
In a joint statement, opposition lawmakers alleged that the PML-N, PPP, and their allies were “bulldozing” legislation and concealing the amendment’s details from Parliament.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah maintained that “consensus has been achieved on key points,” assuring that the government “is not touching the 18th Amendment.”
“Talks are underway, and matters will likely be settled by this evening,” he added.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain also said “significant progress” had been made but confirmed that the amendment would not be tabled today.
PML-N Senator Afnanullah Khan noted that the PPP had agreed to changes in Article 243, and that discussions were continuing to address its remaining reservations.
Separately, PTI leader Asad Qaiser rejected any government attempt to amend the Constitution, declaring that the current Parliament “has no authority to legislate.”
He accused the PPP of “political compromise” and criticised the government for its handling of police actions at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House earlier this week.
According to reports, the draft 27th Constitutional Amendment includes the creation of a Commander of Defence Forces post to improve coordination among the three armed services.
It also proposes the establishment of a seven-member Constitutional Court, with justices retiring at the age of 68.
Sources said five judges are expected to be selected from the existing Supreme Court bench, with Justice Aminuddin Khan likely to head the new court. Judges from the Sindh and Balochistan High Courts are also under consideration.
