- PPP chief defends amendment’s passage, highlighting protections for key offices and defence institutions
- Says real strength of amendment comes from political consensus, not votes and reaffirms provincial rights under NFC Award
- Recalls 1973 Constitution and 18th Amendment as democratic milestones, urging lawmakers to prioritize national unity over partisan politics
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday defended the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, describing it as “a historic step that completes unfinished elements of the 26th Amendment and reflects a broad political consensus across party lines.”
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly after the amendment’s approval, Bilawal said, “We worked day and night to pass the 26th Amendment and, through political consensus, incorporated it into the Constitution. Now, the 27th Amendment completes the unfinished parts and finalizes the charter we began.”
He explained that the amendment package not only secures constitutional protections for key offices but also introduces targeted reforms related to the country’s defense institutions. Rejecting the notion that strength lies solely in voting numbers, Bilawal said the real legitimacy of constitutional change comes from sustained political consensus, urging lawmakers to prioritize national unity above partisan calculations.
Recalling Pakistan’s constitutional history, Bilawal highlighted the 1973 Constitution and subsequent amendments, which safeguarded provincial autonomy and democratic governance. He lauded the 18th Amendment as a landmark achievement, noting its bipartisan support and its role in protecting institutions from arbitrary political interference.
Bilawal emphasized PPP’s consistent contributions to constitutional reforms, asserting the party acted in the national interest amid challenging times. He also acknowledged ongoing domestic and regional challenges, including tensions arising from India’s activities in Afghanistan, and expressed support for government measures under Article 243 to strengthen Pakistan’s legal framework.
On national security, the PPP chairman praised the role of Pakistan’s armed forces, civil society, and citizens in defeating terrorist networks, vowing that the country would overcome such threats again. “We have defeated these elements before through the sacrifices of our people and the bravery of our forces; God willing, we will defeat them once more,” he said, stressing that unity among military, political, and civilian actors is essential for national security.
Bilawal lauded the armed forces’ professionalism, citing their performance during the May War against India, and underscored that constitutional amendments would prevent arbitrary suo-motu actions, ensuring judicial decisions follow established democratic processes.
Reiterating PPP’s commitment to provincial rights, Bilawal warned that economic crises and security challenges can only be overcome if political actors accept shared ownership of Pakistan. “This Pakistan belongs to everyone—me, Shehbaz Sharif, and other leaders. We may disagree politically, but we must sit together, respect one another, and work to deliver,” he said.
He called on opposition parties to move beyond narrow political gains, engage constructively, and uphold democratic institutions, while reaffirming that constitutional protections granted to provinces under the NFC Award will remain intact. Bilawal stressed that ongoing dialogue among political parties is critical to ensuring the country’s stability, progress, and national cohesion.
