The Govt has decided to begin formal discussions to amend the 18th Constitutional Amendment. Talks will focus on addressing issues in implementation and improving clarity on the division of powers.
Officials say the proposed 27th Amendment will not be introduced in Parliament unless the Govt secures full consensus from major political parties. The first round of consultations is set to begin with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
According to sources, the discussions will be confidential until an agreement is reached. If PPP agrees with the proposals, the Govt plans to bring other parties into the dialogue. The aim is to ensure smooth passage of the constitutional amendment in both houses of Parliament.
The 18th Amendment, passed in 2010, gave provinces greater autonomy. However, officials argue that many powers granted to the provinces were never fully implemented. Some ministries and functions remain inactive due to a lack of clear rules and structure.
The Govt also seeks to revise fiscal arrangements. It may propose changes to the National Finance Commission (NFC) award to increase the federal share. The role and powers of local governments may also be redefined.
A Cabinet Committee on Law is currently reviewing the proposed changes. Any amendment to the Constitution needs a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and Senate. The Govt believes it can reach the required number if PPP and other allies support the move.
The review of the 18th Amendment is a sensitive political issue. While some see it as essential for better governance, others fear it could centralize power. The Govt insists that its goal is not to reverse devolution but to fix gaps that hinder service delivery.
The coming weeks will be critical as parties decide whether to support the reform process.
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