ISLAMABAD – The federal government’s plan to introduce sweeping constitutional changes under the proposed 27th Amendment has triggered strong political and legal reactions, with critics warning that the move could reverse key gains made under the 18th Amendment and undermine provincial autonomy.
The amendment, discussed privately within the ruling coalition for months, came into the spotlight after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced on social media that his party’s Central Executive Committee would meet Thursday to decide its stance. The proposals include creating a federal constitutional court, restoring executive magistracy, modifying procedures for appointing service chiefs, and revising the National Finance Commission (NFC) formula to expand the federal government’s share of resources.
PMLN delegation headed by PM @CMShehbaz called on @AAliZardari & myself. Requested PPPs support in passing 27th amendment. Proposal includes; setting up Constitutional court, executive magistrates, transfer of judges, removal of protection of provincial share in NFC, amending…
— Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (@BBhuttoZardari) November 3, 2025
Political observers say the initiative could significantly alter Pakistan’s power structure. Analysts and PPP insiders caution that rolling back constitutional protections for provinces — particularly the NFC Award — would be politically costly for the party in its Sindh stronghold. “It would be a complete rollback of the 18th Amendment,” one senior PPP member said, arguing that the change would erode hard-won provincial rights.
Economists also warn that reducing the provincial share in the NFC could harm service delivery, especially in smaller provinces like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Lahore School of Economics professor Waqar Wadho noted that the shift could worsen fiscal disparities and strain local development budgets.
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Legal experts have voiced similar alarm. Supreme Court lawyer Salahuddin Ahmed described the amendment as an attempt to “control the streets and the judiciary,” warning that it could centralize power and weaken judicial independence.
While some analysts believe the PPP may agree on forming a federal constitutional court, they say the NFC and 18th Amendment remain its “red lines.” The coming days are expected to determine whether political pragmatism or provincial autonomy prevails.
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