ISLAMABAD, May 20 — The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has distanced itself from swirling rumors regarding a proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, labeling any commentary on the matter as “premature.” Speaking at a high-level press conference at the Aiwan-i-Sadr on Tuesday, PPP Senator Saleem Mandviwalla confirmed that the party has not received any official draft or proposal concerning amendments that could reportedly roll back provincial devolution. The briefing, which primarily focused on President Asif Ali Zardari’s state visit to China, also included presidential spokesperson Murtaza Solangi and Press Secretary Daniyal Gillani.
Quick Facts
- PPP Senator Saleem Mandviwalla stated the party has not seen any official text or draft for a 28th Amendment.
- PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar have both denied that an unannounced amendment is being tabled.
- President Zardari’s China trip yielded five major Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and one bilateral agreement.
- The presidency highlighted the strategic launch of the Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine in Sanya, China.
- A 5 million gallons per day (mgd) seawater desalination plant MoU was signed to address Karachi’s water crisis.
- The blockbuster Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt is set for its commercial release in China on May 21–22.
The constitutional clarification echoes recent statements by the PPP chairman, who noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has not approached the presidency or coalition partners regarding new constitutional tweaks. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has similarly dismissed rumors of an imminent bill, reiterating that no legislative changes would ever be tabled without exhaustive consultations among all ruling coalition partners.
Shifting focus to international relations, the presidency team hailed President Zardari’s trip to China as a major diplomatic and strategic success. Spokesperson Murtaza Solangi detailed the commissioning ceremony of the Pakistan Navy’s first advanced Hangor-class submarine in Sanya, equating its long-term strategic significance to the iconic, collaborative JF-17 Thunder fighter jet program. The delegation also undertook a symbolic cultural visit to Shaoshan, the historical hometown of Chairman Mao Zedong in Hunan province.
On the economic front, Senator Mandviwalla announced several practical breakthroughs for domestic infrastructure and agriculture. To combat Karachi’s chronic water scarcity, a critical pact was sealed to establish a 5 mgd seawater desalination plant. Additionally, a new agricultural agreement was inked with one of China’s largest tea conglomerates to boost crop technology sharing. In a push for cultural diplomacy, Mandviwalla also revealed that Pakistan’s highest-grossing film, The Legend of Maula Jatt, will make its official commercial cinematic debut across China on May 21 and 22, anchoring a broader initiative to introduce Pakistani film and television to Chinese audiences.
