POLITICAL discussions are dominated with the long‑anticipated 27th Constitutional Amendment which is likely to be introduced by the ruling coalition in parliament during current month. The push for the 27th Amendment picked up steam right after the approval of 26th Amendment by lower and upper houses in October 2024. Obviously, constitutional amendment is a major step and its approval requires support of two third members in the National Assembly and the Senate. PPP, the coalition partner of government, has analyzed the pros and cons of the upcoming amendment in central executive committee meeting.
After first session of central executive committee, PPP has firmly opposed any tweak to NFC award mechanism guaranteed in 18th amendment. While jealously guarding the fiscal rights of the provinces in line with 18th constitutional amendment, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto expressed consent for proposed changes in Article 243. On the other hand, PTI has adopted a hard stance against the proposed amendment. Harsh statements from PTI indicate rise in political division which might compromise the much-needed objectivity in legislative process. Experts believes that approval of amendment might not be possible without the support of opposition benches. Government seems inclined to obtain this much needed support from JUI (F) and ANP. Intensified debate on the amendment at this stage lacks quality substance because the exact draft is not available so far. Exchange of arguments between the ruling and opposition sides are based on the bits and pieces of information extracted from various statements. Any amendment in the constitution should be dealt with utmost responsibility by the parliamentarians irrespective of the party affiliations. Paradoxically, prevailing political culture has taken away the element of the objectivity and merit-based debate in legislative affairs. Arguments from ruling and opposition sides often reflect strong alignment with respective party leadership stances. These stances usually stem from non-flexible confrontational mindset which never provides any space for dissenting opinions.
Opposing or supporting the idea of constitutional amendment in superlative degree without any draft in hand reflects the non-seriousness on part of the major political parties. While supporting the upcoming amendment, ruling party PML (N) believes that its successful approval would modernize the governance, strengthen the democracy and align the constitutional structure with global democratic standards. PM and various representatives of government are meeting with coalition partners to build the consensus foreseeing stability, progress and better governance standards. As expected, PTI has outrightly rejected the amendment proposal citing imaginary damages to judicial independence and provincial autonomy.
Legislation remains the prime responsibility of upper and lower houses in parliamentary form of government for both ruling and opposition benches. Since the constitution provides the basic perimeter for subsequent legislation and governance therefore consensus is the best way to move forward with amendment business. Being a key stakeholder as opposition party in center and ruling regime in KP province, the PTI should come ahead with specific input on proposed amendments after going through the draft. Likewise, government should share the draft for a constructive debate which may pave the way for consensus on this sensitive issue. Rationality based response should be preferred over rhetorical generalized criticism by all political stakeholders.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
