Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, sought to alleviate growing anxieties regarding the 27th Constitutional Amendment, asserting clearly that the proposed changes pose “no threat whatsoever” to the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which granted significant powers to the provinces. He dismissed the perception that the government intends to curtail provincial autonomy.
Speaking on Geo News’ program “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Saath,” Tarar emphasized that constitutional amendments are a routine necessity dictated by changing times and circumstances. He highlighted that the core proposals relate to education and population control, areas where a uniform national policy is critically required. He acknowledged that the suggestion to retain education at the federal level was previously raised by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and assured that every single clause will be openly debated in the Parliament.
Tarar also defended the long-discussed proposal for establishing a Constitutional Court, stating that he has been part of the internal meetings and believes that “no major obstacle remains” in the path of the 27th Amendment.
He noted that the government’s ally, the MQM, has assured the Prime Minister of coordinating with other political parties to secure support for the amendment. Regarding the system of Magistracy, he clarified that its revival is not a novel concept but a restoration of a system that was previously operational in the country. The Minister stated that the matter will only be presented to the Federal Cabinet after the Pakistan Peoples Party’s Central Executive Committee finalizes its decision.
The Minister criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of “negatively colouring” the amendment. He questioned the seriousness of a PTI Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, suggesting he seeks publicity through controversial statements.
On foreign affairs, Tarar claimed that it is globally accepted that Pakistan shot down eight Indian aircraft. He categorically rejected allegations made by Afghanistan, expressing hope that Pak-Afghan negotiations would yield positive results. He reiterated Pakistan’s core demand: that “Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism in Pakistan.”
