A stark warning has been issued by senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Raza Rabbani, who cautioned that the government’s proposed constitutional revisions could effectively dismantle the landmark 18th Amendment, potentially triggering severe consequences for the nation’s fragile political stability.
The controversy erupted after the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) sought support from its coalition partner, the PPP, for a prospective 27th Amendment. The draft has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and politicians who view it as an attempt to centralize authority and reclaim powers devolved to the provinces.
In a formal statement on Tuesday, the former Senate Chairman declared that the proposed changes concerning provincial autonomy represent “an attempt to undo the 18th Amendment.” This crucial legislation, passed in 2010, had resolved long-standing provincial grievances by transferring control of several federal ministries, including education and population, to the provincial governments.
Rabbani expressed grave concern that tampering with provincial self-governance could have “serious implications for the federation.” He noted that the 2010 amendment had been instrumental in bringing extremist nationalist groups into the democratic fold, and any move to reverse its provisions might push them back toward unconstitutional methods.
The veteran lawmaker also highlighted the financial ramifications, arguing that reclaiming devolved ministries would place an unnecessary monetary strain on the federal government. He asserted that rolling back fiscal powers would contravene the principles of participatory federalism. “If the federal government cannot manage its finances,” Rabbani suggested, “then provinces should be allowed to collect all taxes and federal expenditures should be met through the Council of Common Interests (CCI).”
Responding to the concerns, Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik confirmed that discussions about the proposed alteration are in progress. However, he clarified that the government has not yet finalized any draft of the legislation.
The PPP has maintained a consistent stance on this issue, with several of its senior leaders publicly opposing any move to dilute the 18th Amendment as recently as December 2023. This position continues to be a point of divergence between the party and its primary coalition partner, the PML-N.
Mr. Rabbani, who was a senator when the historic amendment was passed, has a long history of resisting attempts to modify it. In 2019, he accused the then-ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of plotting to dismantle the constitutional provision. His deep commitment was famously displayed in 2015 when he broke down in tears on the Senate floor after reluctantly voting for the 21st Amendment, which established military courts, stating he had voted against his conscience.