ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has defended the recently passed 26th Constitutional Amendment and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Peca) Amendment Bill 2025, stating that both were results of compromise and engagement with opposition parties.
In an interview with Oxford Union’s President, Israr Khan, Bilawal explained that while the 26th Amendment may not have been exactly as he would have drafted it, the PPP played a “positive role” in the drafting process, engaging with opposition forces despite having the majority votes in parliament. He described the legislation as a result of collaboration and compromise, particularly highlighting the formation of constitutional benches through the judiciary-focused amendment.
Bilawal also addressed concerns about Pakistan’s democracy, acknowledging that while it is not as strong as it could be, Pakistan faces the same challenges as other nations, including populism and post-fact politics. He stressed that the PPP has always fought for democracy, individual rights, and constitutional protections, continuing to lead the charge for rights-based politics.
On the Peca Amendment, Bilawal acknowledged that the law was not perfect but argued that it was a significant improvement over its original version, which had proposed harsh penalties like up to 30 years in prison for social media posts. He emphasized that the PPP had opposed the original law under former Prime Minister Imran Khan and had worked to ensure the final version was more balanced.
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He also pointed out that the PPP was the third-largest party in the National Assembly, and while it may not have the ability to dictate terms, it has effectively used its space to positively influence legislative affairs and provide valuable input.
The 26th Constitutional Amendment and Peca Bill have both sparked controversy, but Bilawal defended the PPP’s approach of dialogue and compromise, underlining the party’s commitment to democracy and constitutional integrity.
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