ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched a stinging criticism of the federal government on Wednesday, condemning its proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment as a “blatant power grab” that threatens to dismantle the democratic rights of the provinces.
Speaking at a press conference after a meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary committee, Afridi described the amendment as a “robbery of provincial autonomy,” accusing the government of undermining the 18th Amendment, a hard-won victory for provincial rights.
He emphasised that the PTI would not stand by as the federal government seeks to weaken the provinces. “Any move that seeks to dilute the democratic mandate of the provinces will be met with fierce opposition,” he declared.
He framed the proposed amendment as an attack on Pakistan’s federal structure. “This is a frontal assault on the rights of the federating units,” he said. “PTI has always been the true defender of democracy and the Constitution. We will not let this pass without a fight.”
He also highlighted the long-standing financial injustices faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing the federal government of withholding the province’s rightful share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
“KP’s rightful share is 19.4% under the NFC, yet we are owed over Rs7.5 billion,” he said. “How can we discuss constitutional amendments when the federal government blatantly disregards its obligations to the provinces.”
He reiterated that his government would not compromise on the province’s autonomy or financial entitlements. “The sacrifices of this province in the name of Pakistan must be acknowledged,” he added, his words laden with both anger and resolve.
In a separate but equally significant development, PTI lawmakers in the National Assembly submitted a resolution calling for Afridi to be granted permission to meet PTI founder Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned at Adiala Jail.
The resolution, passed during a meeting of the party’s parliamentary panel and signed by 34 PTI MNAs, stresses the party’s continued push for what it calls a constitutional right to consult the jailed leader, widely regarded as the head of Pakistan’s largest political party.
“Imran Khan is the leader of Pakistan’s largest political force, and any democratic consultation with him is imperative,” the resolution reads. “We demand that the KP Chief Minister be granted permission for a meeting with Imran Khan.”
Afridi expressed frustration over his repeated attempts to secure a meeting with Khan, which were denied. “Since becoming chief minister, I have asked for the meeting. When it was not facilitated, I took the matter to Islamabad High Court,” he explained. “But Parliament is supreme, which is why I felt it necessary to submit this resolution.”
The PTI’s parliamentary panel also decided to resist the proposed 27th Amendment “tooth and nail,” both inside and outside Parliament, calling it dangerous for Pakistan’s fledgling democracy and an already worsening constitutional crisis.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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