National Party Slams NFC Reconstitution Plans as Attack on Constitution and 18th Amendment

Quetta:The central spokesperson of the National Party has strongly condemned the federal government’s reported plans to reconstitute the National Finance Commission (NFC) and reduce provincial shares, calling the move unconstitutional and an assault on the landmark 18th Amendment.

In an official statement, the spokesperson said that the 1973 Constitution was the result of the collective vision and struggle of the country’s democratic leadership, while the 18th Amendment in 2009 was a historic milestone achieved after a long resistance against dictatorial regimes. “The amendment not only increased provincial autonomy but also constitutionally protected the new NFC Award and curbed authoritarian tendencies,” the statement read.

The party accused the ruling elite of attempting to roll back these gains to expand federal control and seize the resources of the constituent national units. “Instead of empowering provinces further, conspiracies have been underway since the passage of the 18th Amendment to undermine it,” the spokesperson said.

He added that any attempt to reduce the financial and administrative powers of provinces would paralyze developmental efforts and severely impact public welfare. “The ruling class, in an attempt to hide its incompetence and corruption, is targeting provincial rights, which will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the spokesperson warned.

The National Party vowed strong public and political resistance against any move to reverse the 18th Amendment or alter the NFC Award unjustly, declaring such steps as direct violations of the federal spirit and constitutional order of Pakistan.