Coalition talks intensify as 28th Constitutional Amendment emerges as key political flashpoint

-- High-Level Meeting Focuses on Regional Stability and Economic Pressures

-- PM seeks PPP's support for upcoming 28th Constitutional Amendment

-- President seeks time for intra-party consultations and calculations

-- Coalition unity tested as Constitutional debate intensifies

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the presidency to discuss the ongoing political situation and matters pertaining to the upcoming finance bill and other legislative business likely to be tabled in the upcoming sessions of both Houses of the Parliament.

While the official readout focused on regional security, Afghanistan, economic pressures and relief measures for the public, political sources say the meeting also reflected growing coordination — and subtle tensions — within the ruling coalition as the government seeks support of all the stakeholders for a major constitutional package still under deliberation.

The meeting was attended by key federal figures including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, and senior political figure Dr Asim Hussain.

The high-level meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the President’s Office has taken on added political significance amid emerging behind-the-scenes consultations over the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment and its implications for the country’s power structure and coalition stability.

According to sources familiar with the discussion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is said to have formally sought President Zardari’s political facilitation in mobilising support from the Pakistan Peoples Party for the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, which is being positioned by the government as part of broader institutional and governance reforms.

The amendment, still under internal consultation, is understood to include provisions related to constitutional restructuring, federal-provincial coordination, judicial reforms, and administrative efficiency.

However, the exact contours of the draft have not yet been officially shared with all coalition partners, fueling speculation and political caution within allied ranks.

Sources suggest that President Zardari did not commit to an unconditional endorsement of the proposal during the meeting. Instead, he reportedly adopted a measured stance, emphasising internal party consultation and broader political consensus before any final decision.

Within political circles, this cautious approach is being interpreted as part of a broader strategy by the PPP leadership to retain leverage in ongoing coalition negotiations.

Some insiders claim that the PPP is increasingly viewing its parliamentary strength as a key bargaining chip in shaping future political arrangements. According to these sources, discussions within elite political circles have also revolved around the party’s desire to secure a more influential role in the next phase of the government, including speculation about a possible understanding regarding the future leadership structure.

In this context, some political observers suggest — though without official confirmation — that President Zardari may be seeking assurances regarding a strengthened political future for PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, including the possibility of his elevation to a senior executive position within a power-sharing framework during the remaining term of the National Assembly.

These reports, however, remain unverified and are being treated in political circles as part of evolving negotiation dynamics rather than settled arrangements.

Despite such speculation, both sides continue to publicly project unity. The ruling coalition, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, remains dependent on PPP's support for constitutional and legislative initiatives requiring a two-thirds majority in parliament, making consensus-building essential for the passage of any amendment.

Beyond constitutional politics, Monday’s meeting also underscored shared concerns over regional instability. Participants reviewed the situation in Afghanistan, developments in the Middle East, and the impact of global supply chain disruptions on Pakistan’s economy.

President Zardari stressed the need for urgent relief measures for the public, directing authorities to intensify efforts to control inflation and ensure the availability of essential commodities amid external economic pressures.

The leadership also paid tribute to the martyrs of Marka-e-Haq and acknowledged the role of Pakistan’s armed forces in maintaining national security and stability during recent regional tensions.

While no formal announcement was made regarding the 28th Constitutional Amendment, political observers believe the issue is likely to dominate coalition-level discussions in the coming weeks as the government attempts to balance legislative ambitions with fragile political consensus inside its alliance structure.