Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has firmly opposed any further amendments to the Constitution. Speaking to senior journalists in Lahore on Tuesday, he said, “Two amendments were enough from one parliament,” and declared there is “no room for more tweaks.”
Bilawal emphasised the sanctity of the constitution, calling it a document that should not be “changed repeatedly.” His remarks directly address circulating rumours about a prospective 28th Constitutional Amendment. These rumours gained credence after statements from PM’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, who said the legislation would be tabled soon.
The PPP chief’s opposition refers to the 26th and 27th Constitutional amendments passed by the PML-N-led ruling coalition in October and November. While the PML-N holds a simple majority with 131 NA seats, PPP support becomes crucial for any future changes.
Passing a constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority (224 votes) in the National Assembly. The ruling coalition’s strength lies in partners such as the MQM-P, PML-Q, and IPP, along with some independents. The opposition collectively holds 89 seats.
Read: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Warns Against Federal Overreach in Provincial Rights
In the Senate, the government commands 61 members against the opposition’s 35. A two-thirds majority there requires 64 votes, making cross-party support essential. This arithmetic gives the PPP significant leverage.
Expanding on constitutional changes, Bilawal challenged the government first to implement existing resolutions. He referenced a Senate commission declaration that South Punjab should be made a province.
“First, reach a consensus to make South Punjab a province and then move forward,” the PPP chief stated. He added he “cannot even think of dividing Punjab” arbitrarily and urged the creation of provinces only where consensus exists.
Bilawal noted the PPP would not take any ministries in Punjab, praising Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s performance. He contrasted this with Sindh, taunting opponents to “come to Sindh” and appoint their own governor, a position still vacant.
Regarding the PTI, Bilawal said he had no personal enmity with the party’s founder, Imran Khan, but criticised his political methods. He also claimed the PTI government had “failed” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province under its responsibility. This stance sets a clear precondition for the PPP’s support of any future constitutional legislation.
