27th Amendment: PM says provincial autonomy not to be affected
ISLAMABAD: In a bold and fiery declaration, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday proclaimed that he would be the last man to back down on provincial autonomy, insisting that a unified and empowered federation – including the four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir – is non-negotiable for the country’s strength.
Speaking in the National Assembly, after the passage of the contentious 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, a triumphant Sharif reaffirmed that the Chief Justice of Pakistan would continue to lead key judicial bodies, including the Judicial Commission and Supreme Judicial Council, emphasising the government’s reliance on the judiciary to uphold the Constitution and rule of law.
Turning to recent security threats, he condemned the deadly terrorist attacks on Cadet College Wana and the Islamabad Judicial Complex.
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Drawing comparisons to the tragic Army Public School massacre, he commended the Pakistan Armed Forces for their swift response, particularly in the rescue of students in Wana. He also expressed his grief over the 12 victims of the Islamabad bombing, including lawyers, and called for justice.
In a sharp critique of external actors, Sharif accused elements from India and Afghanistan of being behind the attacks.
He reiterated Pakistan’s allegations of Indian involvement in the Jaffar Express bombing, saying the government had presented “undeniable” evidence that went unchallenged and warning that Pakistan’s security forces would deliver a fitting response to those responsible.
On regional diplomacy, the prime minister revealed that talks had been held with the Afghan interim government in Doha and Istanbul, with a clear demand for the cessation of terrorist activities from groups like the BLA using Afghan soil.
He stressed that Pakistan seeks peace but expects Afghanistan to play a constructive role in securing regional stability.
Sharif also took the opportunity to laud Pakistan’s recent diplomatic successes, including a resounding victory in the “Marka-e-Haq” conflict with India in February, which had boosted the country’s global standing.
He celebrated the conferring of the Field Marshal title on Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, calling it a well-deserved recognition of the military’s role in Pakistan’s security.
In his closing remarks, the prime minister emphasised his commitment to a stronger federation, voicing his unwavering support for measures that empower both the federal government and the provinces. He also reiterated his opposition to any forces that might threaten national unity.
Sharif concluded with a call for political cohesion, particularly around the 18th Amendment and the NFC Award, pledging to consult with the PPP and other parties to forge consensus on these pivotal issues. “We must move forward together for the development and prosperity of Pakistan,” he added.
With the bill passing by a commanding two-thirds majority, he hailed it as a historic milestone, particularly the establishment of constitutional courts, while thanking both allies and opponents, including President Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, for their support in securing its passage.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025