Karachi: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto has said that his party will not accept any reduction in the provinces’ share under the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. Speaking to the media after the first session of the PPP Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting at Bilawal House, he confirmed that while the party rejects most of the government’s recommendations, it supports the proposed changes in Article 243.
Bilawal explained that the government delegation, led by the Prime Minister and members of the PML‑N, had approached the PPP for support on the amendment. He emphasized that the PPP will never agree to abolish constitutional protections related to the National Finance Commission (NFC). “We have rejected all points except Article 243,” he said.
The meeting, attended by senior PPP leaders including Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Raza Rabbani, Qamar Zaman Qaira, and others, could not reach a final decision. Another session has been scheduled after Friday prayers to continue discussions, including the establishment of a constitutional court.
PPP Information Secretary Shazia Marri told reporters that the meeting was called after Bilawal Bhutto’s social media post and the President’s return from Qatar. She stressed that the PPP has always stood for provincial autonomy and will not allow any rollback of the 18th Amendment. “Our position is clear. Listening to proposals is fine, but agreeing to reduce provincial rights is not possible,” she said.
The PPP leadership reiterated that while they are open to reforms that improve governance, they will safeguard constitutional provisions that protect provincial shares and autonomy.