27th: Bilawal says PPP won’t tolerate reversal of NFC or provincial rights.

PPP – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – According to ARY News, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that the party has rejected plans to abolish or change province shares under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, while confirming support for the 27th Constitutional Amendment debates.
Bilawal, who chaired a meeting of the PPP Central Executive Committee (CEC), stated unequivocally that the party will not support any modifications to the NFC formula or efforts to limit provincial autonomy.
He noted that, while the PPP supports the proposed revision to Article 243, it will oppose any move that undermines the provinces’ constitutional stake.

Earlier, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting witnessed a heated debate over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, with several senior members expressing dissatisfaction with key clauses of the draft.

According to reports, most senior PPP leaders voiced concern over possible changes being linked to the 27th Constitutional Amendment, advising the federal government not to tamper with NFC Award provisions or Article 160(3A), which guarantees provincial shares in the federal divisible pool.

Party members reportedly warned that any attempt to alter the 18th Amendment through the 27th Constitutional Amendment would be “political suicide” and could trigger fresh disputes between the federation and the provinces.

Sources said the federal government is considering amendments to Article 142 and the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution to transfer certain administrative powers — including education and population management — back to the federal government.

Afghanistan and Pakistan have returned to Istanbul for additional peace talks.

However, PPP leaders were fiercely opposed to this plan, stating that education and population-related functions should remain with the provinces in accordance with the spirit of the 18th amendment.
The CEC members warned the government to avoid making any changes that could jeopardize provincial autonomy, emphasizing that the PPP will not accept any retreat of devolution obtained under the 18th Amendment.
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting ended without a clear resolution following extensive debates on the 27th Constitutional Amendment, according to sources.
According to insiders, the meeting was inconclusive and will reconvene today (Friday) at 4 p.m. to continue deliberations on the proposed amendment and other constitutional issues.

PM Summons Cabinet Meeting to Approve 27th Amendment Draft

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called an important meeting of the federal cabinet on Friday to approve the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

During the meeting, to be chaired by the Prime Minister, the cabinet will be briefed on the contents of the proposed constitutional amendment. After securing cabinet approval, the government plans to table the bill in the Senate the same day.

Government sources claim that the numbers in the Senate are complete, even without the support of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F). In the 96-member Senate, the ruling coalition is confident of having at least 65 votes in favor of the amendment.

The government is also expected to receive support from the Awami National Party (ANP), which has three senators, as well as from independent Senator Naseema Ehsan, who has reportedly assured her backing.

Pakistan and UK army chiefs discuss stronger security partnership.

In addition, six other independent senators are likely to vote in favor of the 27th Amendment. Meanwhile, efforts are still underway to win over JUI-F senators to further strengthen the government’s position in the upper house.