It is now official: a 27th Amendment to Pakistan’s Constitution is indeed in the works. The confirmation came from PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who revealed that both he and President Asif Ali Zardari had been approached by the PML-N regarding the proposal. This admission ends weeks of speculation and contradicts repeated denials by ruling coalition figures that such an amendment was being contemplated. Ironically, the Deputy Prime Minister himself had recently asserted that “there isn’t any need for it.” The sudden change of course is hardly surprising, however, given the government’s growing unease and its apparent determination to consolidate control — even if doing so risks further eroding the constitutional liberties of an already disillusioned nation.
The proposed 27th Amendment presents yet another major test for the fragile coalition, which is still facing political backlash over its handling of the contentious 26th Amendment. Reports suggest that the draft under consideration contains provisions that could significantly alter the balance of power within the constitutional framework and threaten the independence of key state institutions, particularly the judiciary.
According to media reports, the amendment may include the establishment of constitutional courts in each province, the restoration of executive magistrates, and the reintroduction of the government’s authority to transfer judges. There are also suggestions that it would reduce the provincial share of resources under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award — a move certain to provoke a backlash from smaller provinces. Even more contentious are the reported clauses concerning the command and control of the armed forces and the appointment mechanisms for the Election Commission of Pakistan. Among the articles said to be under review are Articles 8, 199, 200, 234, and 243 — each central to the structure of the state and the separation of powers.
The amendment may also touch upon the creation of new provinces, an issue that has historically stirred deep divisions among Pakistan’s federating units. Furthermore, reports that the Centre may seek to reclaim key subjects such as education and population planning — which were devolved to the provinces under the landmark 18th Amendment — suggest a creeping reversal of the federal autonomy painstakingly achieved over the past decade. Such a rollback would likely trigger strong opposition from provincial governments and rekindle long-standing tensions over resource control and governance.
Ultimately, the 27th Amendment appears to be an outcome of expedient politics rather than constitutional necessity. If pursued through coercion or rushed parliamentary procedures, it risks repeating the controversies surrounding the 26th Amendment, which was widely criticised for being forced through without adequate debate. For the sake of democratic integrity, it is imperative that lawmakers are given full access to the proposed text, sufficient time to deliberate its implications, and the freedom to vote according to their conscience — not under political pressure.
Constitutional amendments are meant to strengthen the democratic order, not weaken it. The government must resist the temptation to use its parliamentary majority as a tool for centralising power and curbing institutional independence. A mature democracy demands transparency, consensus, and respect for the federal spirit — qualities that must guide any attempt to reshape the nation’s foundational document.
Shafaqna Pakistan
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