Former Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani has warned that the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment could undermine the provincial autonomy achieved through the 18th Amendment. He said that tampering with the devolution framework in Pakistan’s fragile political climate would cast “deep shadows” over the Federation.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has sought support from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to introduce the amendment, which proposes a Constitutional Court, adjustments to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, and changes to Article 243 concerning the armed forces. Rabbani cautioned that reversing financial devolution would violate the spirit of participatory federalism and burden the federal exchequer.
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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also opposed the move, calling it an assault on judicial independence. However, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah rejected the criticism, saying the government only aims to strengthen the constitutional structure and will not proceed without consensus among coalition partners.
