PPP Information Secretary Shazia Marri said on Thursday that the party would not support any rollback of the 18th Amendment or the NFC Award if the government sought its backing.
Speaking to reporters in Karachi outside the Bilawal House, Marri said that her party will never take away the rights given to provinces.
“When it comes to provinces, the PPP has a very clear stance […] the Pakistan Peoples Party wants to see the strengthening of the provinces, and it will never take away its rights or agree to proposals that may [compromise its rights],” she said.
However, she added that if any constitutional amendments could improve Pakistan’s governance system, enhance institutional performance, and deliver greater relief to citizens, the PPP would be open to considering and supporting such proposals.
“There are fears and speculations that there will be discussions [today] regarding the 18th Amendment or the NFC share. The PPP has a very clear stance on this — we will never step back. Rolling back the 18th Amendment is simply not possible. If the government seeks the PPP’s support, we will not be part of any such move.”
The PPP will shortly hold a meeting of its Central Executive Committee (CEC) at the Bilawal House to discuss the proposed 27th Amendment.
Regarding the CEC meeting, Marri said: “This meeting was not on the schedule, but matters were brought forward that prompted us to call the meeting.”
“The PPP Chairman made an X post on November 3, in which he said that the prime minister met him with a PML-N delegation, in which they discussed the 27th Amendment and proposals were put forward.
“They asked for the PPP’s backing on these proposals, but as you know, the PPP’s procedure is very structured,” Marri added. “We will bring all of these matters to the party forums along with legal teams. The chairman has said that he would bring these proposals to the PPP’s highest forum, the Central Executive Committee.”
Marri stated that the president and PPP chairman both returned from a trip to Qatar, saying that their flight landed in Karachi. “The meeting will commence upon their arrival at Bilawal House,” she said.
More to follow
