PPP Rejects Reduction in Provincial Shares in 27th Constitutional Amendment, Supports Article 243 – Bilawal Bhutto

Karachi: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that the party opposes any reduction in provincial shares under the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, while expressing support for changes to Article 243.

The remarks came during a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting of the PPP held at Bilawal House in Karachi, which he chaired. The meeting discussed the government’s proposed amendment but did not reach a final decision. A follow-up CEC session is scheduled after Friday prayers to finalize the party’s stance, including on the establishment of a constitutional court.

Speaking to the media after the first session, Bilawal Bhutto said that the party rejects the recommendation to reduce provincial shares and will not accept any clause that undermines the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. He noted that the party supports the proposed changes to Article 243 but has rejected all other points of the amendment.

The CEC meeting saw participation from senior PPP leaders, including Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, former Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, leaders like Qadir Patel, Qadir Baloch, Amjad Hussain Advocate, Nafeesa Shah, Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Mehdi Shah, former Foreign Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, Naeem Bokhari, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Haider, Raja Pervez Ashraf, and Raza Rabbani.

The President of Pakistan also joined the meeting in Karachi directly from Qatar.

PPP Central Information Secretary Shazia Marri emphasized that the party’s decision-making process is organized and systematic. She reiterated that PPP has historically safeguarded provincial autonomy, and any expectation that the party will simply endorse the federal government’s proposal is unfounded. While the party is open to discussions on improvements in daily governance, it remains firmly committed to protecting the provinces’ rights.

Further details and final decisions regarding the amendment are expected in the next CEC meeting.