Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Warns Against Tampering with 18th Amendment

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has issued a strong warning that any attempt to dilute the protections of provincial autonomy granted by the 18th Amendment would be tantamount to “playing with fire.”

At the PPP’s 58th foundation day, the speech aired simultaneously across more than 100 districts nationwide. He recalled how the ruling PML-N had previously proposed amendments to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and credited the PPP’s opposition for keeping those changes out of the final draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. He stressed that the PPP has consistently strengthened Pakistan’s federation by restoring democracy and securing provincial rights and representation.

The PPP chairperson firmly addressed the role of different state institutions. He cautioned that creating laws and amending the constitution are the exclusive responsibilities of elected representatives in parliament.

لائیو: پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے 58 ویں یوم تاسیس کے موقع پر ملک بھر کے 100 سے زائد اضلاع میں جلسہ عام https://t.co/ANv2mZQpve

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) November 30, 2025

“When a constitutional amendment is passed through consensus and majority, only parliament has the authority to revisit or alter it,” Bilawal stated. He explicitly said that demanding courts decide the fate of a constitutional amendment is a clear overreach. He affirmed, “No court has had, has, or will have the power to nullify a constitutional amendment.”

A Call for Political Truce and Reconciliation

Bilawal expressed deep concern over the unprecedented bitterness in the country’s political culture. He noted that political disagreements have reached a point where members of one party refuse to speak with those from another.

He urged all political stakeholders to adopt a path of truce and reconciliation. This approach is outlined in the second part of the Charter of Democracy. He warned that without political unity, those “conspiring against Pakistan” would continue to exploit the country’s internal divisions.

Turning to the newly established Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), Bilawal acknowledged that some elements are creating doubts about the institution. He expressed hope that the FCC would prove its critics wrong.

He clarified that the FCC has now assumed the role of the country’s highest constitutional court. The Supreme Court will consequently focus primarily on criminal cases.

Bilawal concluded by stating that the PPP fulfilled its promise to establish a constitutional court with equal provincial representation. He hopes this new judicial structure will strengthen public trust and improve access to justice.