The current proposal being discussed as the 27th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan is a broad package of changes aimed at significantly restructuring the country’s federal and judicial system.
The reason parties, especially those outside the ruling coalition and advocates for provincial autonomy, are concerned is that they view the proposals as a major rollback of provincial rights and a political move to tighten the establishment’s control over the judiciary.
Here is a breakdown of the key proposals and the source of the controversy:
Key proposals of the 27th Amendment
The proposals, as confirmed by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s tweet, touch upon the core balance of power defined in the 1973 Constitution, especially after the landmark 18th Amendment (2010).
PMLN delegation headed by PM @CMShehbaz called on @AAliZardari & myself. Requested PPPs support in passing 27th amendment. Proposal includes; setting up Constitutional court, executive magistrates, transfer of judges, removal of protection of provincial share in NFC, amending…
— Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (@BBhuttoZardari) November 3, 2025
Provincial Autonomy
Removal of protection of provincial share in NFC (National Finance Commission) Award. This is the most controversial part. It would allow the federal government to reduce the funds distributed to provinces, potentially undoing a key provision of the 18th Amendment and centralizing economic power.
Federal-Provincial Balance
Return of education and population planning to the federation. These subjects were devolved to the provinces under the 18th Amendment. Bringing them back to the center is seen as a direct erosion of provincial autonomy.
Judiciary
Setting up a Constitutional Court, transfer of judges. Critics argue this is intended to curtail the powers of the Supreme Court and potentially allow the political executive to manage judicial appointments and benches that hear constitutional cases.
Executive & Military
Amending Article 243 (pertains to the command of the Armed Forces) and reinstating executive magistrates. This move is scrutinized for potentially altering the civilian-military power balance and giving executive bodies judicial powers.
Elections
Breaking the deadlock on the appointment of the ECP (Election Commission of Pakistan). A mechanism is being sought to ensure timely and undisputed appointments to the election body.
What are political parties concerned about?
The political resistance is there because the amendment is widely perceived as an attempt to recentralize power at the expense of provincial rights and judicial independence.
The proposals to remove NFC protection and re-federalize subjects like education are seen as an attack on provincial sovereignty established by the 18th Amendment. Parties in smaller provinces are historically sensitive to federal overreach.
Following the highly controversial 26th Amendment (passed in October 2024), which sought to restructure the Supreme Court, the creation of a new Constitutional Court is viewed by many as another step to politicize and control the judiciary, limiting its capacity to act as a check on the government.
Major constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority, necessitating broad political consensus. Opposition parties, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have vehemently opposed the move, accusing the government of pushing through fundamental changes without transparency or a national mandate.
The outcome of the PPP’s CEC meeting on November 6th will be critical, as its support is necessary for the ruling coalition to secure the required majority in Parliament.
https://archive.mmnews.tv/pmln-seeks-ppp-nod-for-27th-amendment-bilawal-confirms/
