Islamabad: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in his address at the National Assembly today, strongly condemned the recent terror attacks in the country. He said that whether one sits on the treasury benches or the opposition benches, the entire House and the nation must set aside political differences and unite against the malicious designs of terrorists. The military, politicians, civil society, and the people of Pakistan have defeated these terrorists before and accomplished what the entire world, including NATO forces, could not achieve in Afghanistan. “Pakistan will once again emerge victorious in the battle against terrorism,” Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari affirmed.
Chairman Bilawal stated that his and the entire PPP’s efforts have always been dedicated to building consensus in the legislative process. The 1973 Constitution and the 18th Amendment were both passed through consensus, and the same spirit was upheld during the passage of the 26th Amendment after tireless efforts. He recalled that the PPP had engaged with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who in turn brought the PTI and SIC into the process. “Not only was Maulana Fazlur Rehman part of the legislative consultations on the constitutional benches, but so was the PTI, despite not having voted,” Chairman Bilawal reiterated. “Maulana Fazlur Rehman cast his vote for the 26th Amendment with the consent of the PTI.”
Chairman PPP further said that the 27th Amendment is an effort to fulfill the promises enshrined in the Charter of Democracy, including the establishment of a Constitutional Court. He added that, following Pakistan’s historic victory over India, the amendment also seeks to grant constitutional protection to the rank of Field Marshal through Article 243. “Certain changes are being introduced in the Constitution relating to defence institutions,” he said. “The true strength of any legislation or amendment lies not in the size of the majority that passes it, but in the depth of the political consensus behind it. The 1973 Constitution remains Pakistan’s undisputed, unanimous Constitution because it was supported by all political parties under the leadership of Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. That consensus cannot be undone by any dictator or tyrant politician.”
Chairman Bilawal recalled that when the PPP and PML-N came to power after defeating a dictator, they passed the 18th Amendment, a document that brought about fundamental democratic reforms and ensured provincial autonomy. “The 18th Amendment cannot be undone, because it was built on the strength of a broad political consensus,” he said. “It does not only bear the signatures of the PPP and PML-N, but of all political parties. It is, therefore, unfortunate that the amendment we are introducing today does not carry the same level of consensus.”
Chairman PPP shared that he had been contacted by the government regarding the proposed amendment. “If this amendment includes reforms concerning the defence structure, it implies that the government has consulted the relevant institutions,” he said. “Similarly, if it concerns judicial reforms, the government must have consulted judges and lawyers. They approached me in my capacity as Chairman PPP, and I placed the matter before the Party’s Central Executive Committee. After much deliberation, we decided to support the government in completing the mission envisioned in the Charter of Democracy.”
Chairman Bilawal further stated that the Field Marshal and the armed forces of Pakistan are being commended globally for inflicting a historic defeat on Modi’s regime by downing six Indian jets. “We are also witnessing the aftermath of India hosting the foreign minister of Afghanistan on our other border,” he noted. “In this context, the PPP has decided to support the government’s recommendations regarding Article 243.” He said that it would have been far better had the political parties in the Opposition followed suit, instead of raising a hue and cry for their imprisoned leader. He emphasized that he had fulfilled his responsibility, but the onus was also on the Opposition to participate in the committees and provide their input, which they failed to do.
Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stated that alongside the establishment of Constitutional Courts, the PPP appreciates the Government of Pakistan for accepting its demand to ensure equal representation of all provinces in the newly formed courts. The federation, he said, would be further strengthened by treating all provinces equally. All political forces opposing the 27th Amendment must acknowledge that this is a historic milestone, as for the first time, every province will have equal representation in the constitutional courts.
He recalled that when Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was judicially murdered, the bench lacked equal provincial representation, a flaw that shook the very foundation of the federation. “We continue to suffer from the consequences of that injustice,” he said. “Those who speak of provincial equality, be it Mr. Achakzai or others, must recognize and appreciate this remarkable achievement that ensures true equality among the provinces.”
He further remarked that after the tenure of former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, all political parties , including the PPP and PML-N, suffered from the unchecked use of suo motu powers. “We witnessed courts setting the prices of tomatoes and potatoes, making dams, and even disrespecting prime ministers, ministers and elected representatives,” he said. There will be no suo motu powers after this Amendment, and the Sword of Damocles that the courts have long held over prime ministers and governments will finally cease to exist.
Chairman Bilawal said that there are still several points of the COD that need to be implemented in order to overcome the crises the country faces today. He emphasized the need to move towards Truth and Reconciliation, and to adopt a path that reaffirms that this country belongs equally to Shehbaz Sharif, Achakzai, and Imran Khan, as much as it does to every other citizen.
Chairman Bilawal underscored the importance of reaching a stage where political polarisation can end and coexistence can prevail. He said that as long as politicians fail to respect one another and this House, the country cannot be governed in the manner it deserves. He extended an invitation to the Opposition, urging them not to abandon Parliament, and to maintain consistent dialogue among political parties so that the prevailing deadlock can be resolved through democratic means.
Chairman PPP said that in its initial draft, the government had proposed removing the protection granted to provincial governments under the NFC Award. The PPP firmly rejected this proposal, he stated, adding, “As long as I am the leader of this party, I will never support taking back the constitutional protections given to the provinces.”
He said that while everyone wishes for the country to overcome its financial crisis, such proposals imply a willingness to compromise on provincial rights simply because the FBR has failed to meet its targets. Chairman Bilawal said he is ready to engage with the government and demonstrate that since certain taxes were devolved to the provinces, their revenue collections have consistently outperformed those of the federation. He reaffirmed that the PPP will never support taking anything away from the provinces, rather, it will advocate for what the federation can and should provide to strengthen them. He said that the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan should not be penalized for the shortcomings of the FBR or other federal financial institutions. Instead, he emphasized, all provinces should be empowered and entrusted with the responsibility to perform better than these institutions.
He further said that the government had proposed reversing the devolution of the Education and Population departments, powers that were transferred under the 18th Amendment, which helped bury the politics of separatism. He said that at a time when conspiracies are being hatched against Pakistan from across its borders, the government must avoid actions that would revive separatist elements or aid our adversaries.
Chairman Bilawal said that this is precisely why the Pakistan Peoples Party is unwilling to reverse devolution or compromise the protections guaranteed under the NFC Award. He further stated that the PPP has proposed a balanced mechanism for the transfer of judges, allowing the Judicial Commission to seek the input of the concerned judge, a recommendation to which the government has agreed.
He expressed his gratitude to the government for accepting the PPP’s proposal to withdraw the idea of forcibly retiring judges. Chairman Bilawal reaffirmed that strengthening local governments has always been a core philosophy of the PPP, and the party looks forward to continued discussions on this front. He said that even a panel of experts would state that Sindh’s initiatives in empowering local bodies have surpassed those of any other province.
He said that the PPP would be pleased to further build upon the existing consensus regarding South Punjab. Chairman PPP assured the PM that the PPP would seek a democratic solution to break the deadlock over appointments in the ECP.
Chairman Bilawal further emphasized that political parties are the true strength of both the government and the Parliament, and therefore, no legislation should come as a surprise. Instead, he stressed, all proposed laws must be thoroughly deliberated upon through dialogue and consensus.
