Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday dismissed any ongoing discussions with the federal government regarding a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment. Speaking at the PPP’s parliamentary party meeting, he stated that no talks had taken place yet but refrained from ruling out future developments.
Bilawal reflected on previous constitutional changes, highlighting his own involvement in the 27th Amendment and emphasizing that both the 26th and 27th amendments had strengthened provincial rights. He also pointed out that PPP’s initiatives ensured representation for all provinces in the Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court.
These remarks came shortly after State Minister for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik addressed concerns about the 28th Amendment potentially reversing the 18th Amendment. Malik described such impressions as “extremely false” and clarified that no formal work on any constitutional amendment was underway, although broader national issues had been discussed earlier.
The 18th Amendment, enacted during the PPP-led government in 2010, has been a subject of ongoing debate, with some calling for changes. However, the PPP has consistently opposed any modifications and pledged to resist attempts to alter it.
In a significant development, Bilawal announced the formation of a four-member committee tasked with negotiating the budget with the federal government. The committee includes MNAs Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Naveed Qamar, along with senators Saleem Mandviwala and Sherry Rehman. He asserted that the government would require PPP’s support to amend the constitution or pass the budget.
Bilawal warned that the upcoming budget might increase difficulties for the public, citing Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis and the heavy impact of inflation on citizens nationwide. He acknowledged that political parties also shared the public’s hardships and welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s relief measures during these challenging times.
The prime minister had urged provinces to support the federation’s efforts to control inflation, and Bilawal expressed PPP’s willingness to cooperate with the federal government to alleviate economic pressures on the population.
Regarding foreign affairs, Bilawal stated that no offer had been extended to him concerning the Iran–US conflict or related negotiations. Nonetheless, he expressed hope that future talks between Tehran and Washington would be successful.
