Senator Sherry Rehman, a prominent leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), announced that the Federal Government has shared the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment with the party, and crucial consultation will take place within the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) before any final decision. This move confirms that the PPP will not make any unilateral decisions concerning provincial rights, even within the ruling coalition.
Speaking on Geo News’ program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Saath,’ Sherry Rehman disclosed that the PPP’s CEC meeting is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. She referenced PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s earlier commitment to take the matter to the public and the party before proceeding.
Safeguarding Public Rights and Coalition Identity
Senator Rehman emphasized, “No one can unilaterally use an axe on the rights of the people.” This strong statement reflects the PPP’s primary concern: ensuring that the 27th Amendment does not undermine the autonomy granted to the provinces under the 18th Amendment.
She clarified that the “contours and characteristics” of the bill will be thoroughly debated in the CEC. While acknowledging their role as allies, she firmly asserted, “We are allies of the N League, but we have a separate identity and manifesto.” These remarks highlight the PPP’s independent policy-making role, even while being part of the government.
The Legislative Process and a Message to PTI
According to Rehman, the draft contains several points that require the input of senior party members. After the party offers its perspective on the draft, it will proceed to the Parliament and subsequently to the relevant committees.
The Senator also sent a message to the opposition PTI, advising them that if they wish to participate in the legislative process, they must “come and work in the committees.” She confirmed that Bilawal Bhutto’s recent social media posts were a ‘pre-planned’ strategy to inform the public.
Finally, Senator Rehman recalled that the proposal for establishing a Constitutional Court was part of the ‘Charter of Democracy,’ and underscored that the 18th Amendment had restored the 1973 Constitution to its “original form.”
