Islamabad: (Tassawar News) In a significant move aimed at broadening political consensus on crucial legislative reforms, a delegation from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) recently met with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad. The primary purpose of this high-level engagement was the formal presentation of the draft of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment for the JUI-F’s thorough review and consultation. This meeting is part of the federal government’s wider strategy to secure two-thirds parliamentary support for the constitutional changes, which propose to restructure resource distribution and administrative efficiencies across the country.
The MQM’s Vision: Local Empowerment and Administrative Reform
Following the meeting, MQM leader Mustafa Kamal spoke to the media, clearly articulating the rationale and ultimate objectives of the party’s proposed constitutional changes. He framed the initiative as a necessary measure for systemic reform, transcending partisan interests to benefit the entire nation. The core tenet of the MQM’s proposal is the belief that genuine governance success hinges on the empowerment of local bodies and the direct transfer of national resources to the grassroots level.
“The only sustainable solution to Pakistan’s governance challenges is the MQM’s constitutional amendment. We want all political parties to support this initiative because it is meant for the people of Pakistan, not for any single group,” Mustafa Kamal asserted, stressing the non-partisan, people-centric nature of the reform.
Kamal emphasised that the amendment is specifically designed to address long-standing governance deficiencies by:
- Strengthening local governments with constitutional safeguards and clear authority.
- Improving revenue distribution mechanisms to ensure local bodies receive adequate funds.
- Ensuring administrative autonomy to enable local tiers of government to deliver essential public services to citizens with greater efficiency and responsiveness.
The MQM delegation underscored the seriousness of their proposal by sharing the full amendment draft with the JUI-F leadership, positioning it as a national document requiring collective endorsement. Kamal further revealed that the Prime Minister has already expressed support for the party’s constitutional proposal, indicating its importance within the ruling coalition’s reform agenda.
JUI-F’s Response: Measured Scrutiny and National Interest
In response to receiving the document, JUI-F senior leader Kamran Murtaza confirmed his party’s commitment to a cautious and detailed review process. Given the significant implications of constitutional changes—which reportedly touch upon issues as complex as judicial structures, executive magistracy, and provincial fiscal share (NFC)—the JUI-F has adopted a stance of measured scrutiny before committing to a final position.
“After reading the document in detail, we will respond to MQM. Whatever serves Pakistan’s national interest, we will move forward accordingly,” Murtaza stated, linking the JUI-F’s eventual support directly to the national interest.
This calculated approach highlights the political sensitivity and profound nature of the proposed 27th Amendment. The JUI-F, a key political player with influence across Pakistan, intends to thoroughly assess how the amendment aligns with its own priorities, particularly those concerning religious, social, and federal-provincial dynamics. Their commitment to moving forward only on the basis of national interest is a clear indicator that the MQM must successfully address any reservations the JUI-F may hold regarding the draft’s provisions.
Wider Political Context and Strategic Dialogue
The meeting between the MQM and JUI-F is not an isolated event but a strategic component of the federal government’s broader consultative process for the 27th Constitutional Amendment. This wider dialogue includes allied parties (such as the PPP, PML-N, etc.) and opposition groups, demonstrating a concerted effort to build the extensive political consensus required for a constitutional overhaul. The need for consensus is particularly acute, given the controversial nature of some proposed changes, including potential modifications to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award formula and the balance of powers established by the 18th Amendment.
Political observers view the MQM’s focus on local empowerment as a significant initiative that could profoundly shape the trajectory of forthcoming constitutional debates. The party’s historical focus on the challenges faced by urban populations and its demand for enhanced resource sharing at the municipal level inject a crucial, locally-focused perspective into the debate on federal and provincial responsibilities.
This cross-party engagement reflects the MQM’s ongoing efforts to achieve a delicate balance in Pakistan’s complex governance structure: maintaining federal authority while simultaneously pushing for provincial and local empowerment. The strategic sharing of the amendment draft with the JUI-F and other parliamentary parties in the coming days confirms the government’s intent to finalize its position only after a thorough and inclusive wider dialogue has taken place, paving the way for the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill to be formally tabled in Parliament.
Conclusion: A Constitutional Crossroads for Devolution
The MQM’s proactive submission of its constitutional amendment draft to the JUI-F is a tangible demonstration of the intense political manoeuvring currently underway to secure consensus on the 27th Constitutional Amendment. By advocating for fundamental changes to strengthen local governments and reform resource distribution, the MQM is effectively pushing the national discourse towards true grassroots democracy. While the government has secured a majority in the National Assembly, the engagement with parties like the JUI-F remains crucial for legitimising the reforms and navigating the close margins in the Senate. The outcome of these negotiations will determine not only the fate of the 27th Amendment but also the future architecture of fiscal federalism and administrative devolution in Pakistan.
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