Raza Rabbani says proposed constitutional tweaks would be akin to rolling back 18th Amendment
Pakistan’s 27th Amendment: A Constitutional Power Clash
By Muhammad Aamir Hussaini — News Analysis
Pakistan debates 27th Constitutional Amendment as PPP, PML-N and the military clash over judicial reforms, NFC shares and provincial autonomy.
What began as quiet consultations has now become a public constitutional confrontation after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requested the party’s support for sweeping reforms.
The amendment debate marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s civil-military relations, federal structure, and judicial framework — opening another chapter in the country’s long contest over authority.
What the 27th Amendment Proposes
Key reforms under discussion
Officials and party sources indicate the amendment could include:
- Formation of Constitutional Courts
- Return of Executive Magistracy
- Limiting High Court powers under Article 199 (including habeas corpus)
- Revisions to Article 243 on command of armed forces
- Constitutional recognition of the Field Marshal rank
- Federal control over education and population planning
- Ending NFC Award constitutional protection of provincial shares
- Judicial rotation and transfer mechanisms
- Breaking Election Commission appointment deadlocks
- Civilian trials in military courts
If passed, the amendment would reshape Pakistan’s judicial authority, provincial rights, and civil-military balance.
PPP’s Stand: Protect the Provinces
Provincial autonomy at the heart
PPP, architect of the 18th Amendment, has drawn a firm line:
- No compromise on NFC Award protections
- Provinces must retain guaranteed revenue shares
- Constitutional Court must safeguard federalism
For PPP, the amendment is acceptable only if it strengthens provincial autonomy, not erodes it.
Military Establishment’s Stakes
The timing is notable.
In recent months, Army Chief Gen Asim Munir was elevated to Field Marshal — prompting debate over codifying senior military roles within the Constitution.
Changes to Article 243 may clarify command authority and tenure — a sensitive point as the COAS’s original term timeline approaches.
PML-N Pushes Centralisation
More power for the center
PML-N reportedly backs:
- Restoration of magistracy system
- Federal oversight of schools and curriculum
- Central lead in population planning
- Review of provincial shares under the NFC Award
These positions align closely with establishment priorities — but risk igniting tensions with provinces, particularly Sindh and Balochistan.
Opposition and Legal Community Response
- PTI has condemned the amendment, calling it politically motivated
- Nationalist parties oppose reversing provincial rights but are open to judicial reform
- Islamabad High Court Bar Association has supported judicial restructuring and rotation
The legal community remains divided on how to balance judicial independence and constitutional efficiency.
Context: From the 26th to the 27th Amendment
The push comes less than a year after the controversial 26th Amendment, still before the courts.
At that time, ministers insisted no further changes were needed. Today, the same leaders are accelerating constitutional restructuring — raising questions about political intent and strategic timing.
Power Map: Who Wants What?
| Actor | Objective |
|---|---|
| PPP | Protect NFC Award, establish constitutional court |
| PML-N | Centralise authority, restore magistracy |
| Military | Institutional clarity, secure command prerogatives |
| PTI | Block ruling alliance reforms |
| Regional parties | Protect provincial autonomy and federal structure |
This is a high-stakes power recalibration, not a routine procedural change.
What’s Next?
PPP has prepared its counter-proposal and plans to negotiate from a position of strength.
If its conditions hold — especially NFC protection and judicial autonomy — Pakistan may move toward a more protected federal structure.
If negotiations fail, analysts warn of:
- political instability
- federal-provincial friction
- renewed institutional confrontation
Bottom Line
Pakistan’s 27th Amendment is more than constitutional text —
it represents a struggle for control over the republic’s future, its judiciary, and its distribution of power and resources.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Pakistan strengthens its federal democracy — or enters another phase of constitutional confrontation.
About the Author
