Constitutional Authority to Amend Lies With Constituent Assembly, Not Parliament: Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party

*Quetta (Qudrat News)* — The **Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP)** has strongly rejected the **27th Constitutional Amendment**, declaring it an *unconstitutional and authoritarian attempt* to alter the **federal structure of Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution**. In a statement issued by the party’s central secretariat, PkMAP asserted that **Parliament does not possess the authority to fundamentally amend the Constitution**, a power that rests solely with a **Constituent Assembly**.

The party described the amendment as an effort to **replace Pakistan’s democratic system** with a *personal and permanent autocracy under a single individual*, effectively dismantling the foundational pillars of **Parliament, the judiciary, and the executive**.

According to PkMAP, the **27th Amendment** transforms the post of **Chief of Army Staff into “Commander of the Defense Forces,”** placing the military under a single, lifelong command structure. The party warned that **this amendment elevates a military officer beyond parliamentary accountability**, requiring a two-thirds majority for removal — a move it termed “a mockery of democracy.”

The statement further criticized the proposed establishment of a **Federal Constitutional Court**, which would **replace the Supreme Court’s authority under Articles 175E and 175H**, effectively stripping the apex court of its powers under **Article 184 (human rights petitions and suo motu jurisdiction)**. The **Chief Justice’s office** would also be abolished, while **the Federal Constitutional Court’s decisions would override the Supreme Court’s rulings**.

PkMAP called the amendment a **direct assault on judicial independence** and accused the current “Form-47 Parliament” of being **imposed through manipulation**, lacking the constitutional legitimacy to enact such far-reaching changes.

The party reiterated its longstanding stance that **the role of intelligence agencies in politics must end**, and that **the people must have the right to freely and transparently elect their representatives**. It warned that continued dominance of the establishment has plunged the country into **deep political instability, economic collapse, and international isolation**.

“The current regime’s corruption, deceit, and incompetence have destroyed the country’s institutions. Inflation, unemployment, and the lack of basic necessities like gas, electricity, water, health, and education have left citizens in despair,” the statement said.

PkMAP urged the government to **withdraw the 27th Amendment immediately**, warning that if it persists with this “dictatorial legislation,” **the democratic forces and the people of Pakistan will be compelled to rise for the defense of the Constitution and national sovereignty.**