PPP backs change in Article 243 as Bilawal opens door to ‘wider dialogue’ on constitutional reforms

• CEC endorses formation of constitutional courts ‘in principle,’ to engage with govt to reach consensus on other points
• Bilawal says Charter of Democracy’s unfinished agenda back on table, proposes revised mechanism for transfer of judges
• Party remains split over dual nationality provision and agrees to limited support for 27th Amendment

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday signalled a major opening in the government–opposition dialogue on constitutional reforms, announcing that the party is willing to support amendments to Article 243—which defines the powers and command of the armed forces—under the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.

He said the PPP “agrees in principle” to the formation of constitutional courts and is ready to move forward on long-pending commitments of the Charter of Democracy, provided provincial rights, judicial balance, and the NFC framework remain untouched.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the party would support amendments to Article 243, which defines the powers of the armed forces, in the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.

Addressing the media following the conclusion of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, Bilawal said the CEC had debated the matter of constitutional courts for two days and agreed in principle that such courts should be established.

“In the 27th Amendment, the amendment to (Article) 243 must be accepted,” he stated clearly.

The party chairperson added that “unfinished agenda items” from the Charter of Democracy had also been discussed. “We will engage with the government and see which other points we can reach a consensus on,” he said, adding that fulfilling pending commitments under the Charter of Democracy “would be a welcome step” if consensus could be achieved.

Bilawal further said the PPP had submitted its suggestions to the government on the proposed mechanism for transferring judges under the 27th Amendment.

“The government’s suggestion is to do away with the consultation (with the president) and leave the decision (transferring judges) with the parliamentary committee,” he said. The PPP, however, believes the better approach is that the “president initiates the transfer,” and, if required, the judicial commission may also be given a role. “It is a forum where serious debate can take place and the chief justices and senior judiciary are present,” he noted.

Responding to a question on dual nationality, Bilawal said he was “not in a position to vote on this right now,” indicating that the party remains divided on the issue.

Summing up, Bilawal said there were three major components of the 27th Amendment that the PPP was willing to consider supporting: the amendment to Article 243, the formation of constitutional courts, and the new framework for judicial transfers—provided the incoming and outgoing chief justices are part of the commission.

Fielding questions from reporters, Bilawal reiterated that amendments to Article 243 “must be accepted”.

“The question of forming constitutional courts, along with other provisions of the Charter of Democracy, will be accepted, God willing,” he said. “With the votes of the incoming and outgoing CJ, along with the judicial commission—if the PML-N agrees—then we will accept this and the PPP will vote on it.”

He also reaffirmed the PPP’s long-standing position on the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, warning that the party would oppose any attempt to reduce the provincial share.

“What has come under discussion is the PML-N’s proposal to remove the protection of provincial governments from the NFC,” he said. “The Constitution says that the NFC share can only grow, not reduce. The PPP will defend this. As long as we are in this parliament, we will not accept any reduction. We are ready to accept other amendments.”

On local government systems, Bilawal said the PPP was monitoring developments closely and noted that the strongest and most autonomous local governance model existed in Sindh.

“If you compare local body legislation in all four provinces, the most political, administrative, and financial autonomy is in Sindh,” he said. “We want strong local bodies across Pakistan.”

He criticised the Punjab legislation that abolished the office of mayor. “If we did that, would you give me permission? What would your reaction be?” he asked.

“Every province has its context, but the strongest local body system is in Sindh,” he reiterated, adding that the PPP remained open to constructive discussions for improving local governance.

Earlier in the day, the PPP appeared divided over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment but signalled clear support for amendments to Article 243. On Thursday night, the party indicated conditional support for limited changes to Article 243 governing federal control of the armed forces.

Announcing decisions of the party’s CEC at Bilawal House, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said discussions on the government’s proposals would continue but stressed the PPP “can never compromise on the financial rights of the provinces.”