Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has announced that his party will support the government on Article 243, emphasizing the need to strengthen the constitutional framework and judicial independence.
Speaking to the media after chairing a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee in Karachi, Bilawal said, “We support the government on Article 243; this amendment is set to be approved. We stand for the establishment of a constitutional court as envisioned in the Charter of Democracy.”
Discussing the transfer of judges, Bilawal shared the PPP’s proposal that both the chief justices of the transferring and receiving courts should be included in the commission that decides the transfer. He added that the commission should also seek the opinion of the concerned judge before finalizing the decision.
Bilawal clarified that the party has yet to reach a consensus on issues such as dual nationality and matters related to the Election Commission. “Since there is no complete agreement within our party, we cannot currently support the remaining points of the constitutional amendment,” he said.
He reaffirmed that under the NFC Award, the provinces’ share can only increase, not decrease, and that the PPP would safeguard provincial rights.
Highlighting the party’s stance on local bodies, Bilawal said the PPP prioritizes local government elections, noting that constitutional protection for local governments exists because of his party’s efforts. However, he reiterated opposition to non-party-based local elections.
Referring to discussions with the Pakistan Muslim League (N) over the proposed 27th constitutional amendment, Bilawal said the matter of local government elections was not brought up during initial consultations.
He stressed that the proposed amendment would not affect the powers of the President or civilian supremacy. “The idea of a constitutional court was part of the Charter of Democracy, and we support it in principle. Further dialogue is needed on other aspects of the charter,” he added.
