Islamabad: (Tassawar News) In a significant address from the federal capital, Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Political Adviser, revealed the government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the 27th Constitutional Amendment is passed through a spirit of genuine mutual understanding and national consensus. His remarks, delivered during a private television programme, highlighted a deliberate and constructive strategy focused on dialogue and cooperation to resolve complex constitutional challenges facing the federation. This proactive approach signals a crucial phase of parliamentary engagement aimed at fine-tuning the foundational legal framework of Pakistan.
The Imperative for Dialogue and Cooperative Federalism
Rana Sanaullah emphasized that the current constitutional process is fundamentally driven by a need to address certain areas of imbalance that have emerged between the federal government and the provinces subsequent to the enactment of the 18th Amendment. He acknowledged that while the 18th Amendment significantly strengthened provincial autonomy, it simultaneously created complexities that now necessitate a constructive dialogue to resolve.
The Adviser underscored a crucial governance principle: the stability and enduring success of the federation are directly contingent upon fostering a truly cooperative and synergistic relationship between the federal and provincial governments. He articulated a clear dual responsibility:
“The provinces must play their part in strengthening the federation, and the federation must ensure that provinces have the capacity and resources to perform effectively,” he noted, delineating the symbiotic nature of federal governance.
This statement encapsulates the core philosophy underpinning the proposed amendments—a balance between provincial empowerment and the necessary cohesion of the federal unit.
Resource Distribution and Consensus-Based Strategy
In a testament to the commitment to inclusivity, Rana Sanaullah disclosed that a positive process of consultation is already underway, with numerous proposals currently under active discussion. The overarching aim of these proposals is to achieve constitutional harmony without, crucially, reducing the provincial share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. This assurance is vital, as any perceived threat to provincial financial autonomy could immediately jeopardize consensus and fuel political instability. The government appears acutely aware of this fiscal sensitivity.
The Prime Minister’s adviser meticulously explained the strategic approach to legislative reform. The federal government is actively taking all allied parties and key stakeholders into confidence regarding every facet of the 27th Amendment. He firmly reiterated a commitment to political realism: only those clauses that have full consensus among all major political forces will be permitted to move forward. Conversely, he stressed that issues on which differences of opinion persist will remain open for future discussion and refinement. This segmented, consensus-first strategy is designed to minimize confrontation and maximize the chances of successful, stable legislative passage.
Broader Governance and Democratic Reform Agenda
The constitutional reform process, as detailed by Rana Sanaullah, extends far beyond the scope of mere centre-province relations. He highlighted that the ongoing deliberations also encompass several related, critical governance matters. These include:
- Refining the local government system: Aiming to strengthen devolution at the grassroots level.
- Electoral participation of overseas Pakistanis: Addressing technical and legal challenges to ensure their right to franchise.
- Procedures for the transfer and appointment of judges: Seeking enhanced transparency and institutional independence.
- Clarifying the mandate of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP): Ensuring its capacity and authority for holding free and fair elections.
The complexity and sensitivity of these interconnected issues were duly acknowledged:
“These are delicate and important issues,” he cautioned, adding that they “must be handled with a spirit of unity, transparency, and respect for constitutional boundaries. Our goal is not confrontation but coordination.”
This spirit of coordination is positioned as the defining characteristic of the government’s approach. Rana Sanaullah reaffirmed that Pakistan’s constitutional framework itself is a product of broad-based political consensus, and this historical precedent dictates the method for all future amendments. He emphasized that the fundamental purpose of constitutional amendments is to strengthen democracy, enhance administrative efficiency, and build essential trust among state institutions.
Political observers analysing the developments concur that the 27th Amendment discussions are indicative of a broader national effort to fine-tune the existing balance of powers between the central and provincial governments. The goal is clear: to ensure equitable resource distribution and establish more robust and functional governance mechanisms across the country.
Conclusion: Upholding Democratic Integrity through Consensus
In his conclusive statement, Rana Sanaullah resolutely reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to pursuing reforms solely through the avenue of national dialogue and profound political understanding. The core principle guiding this intricate process remains that any constitutional amendment of this magnitude will only secure passage when all major political parties are in agreement. This commitment to consensus is not merely a political tactic but a necessary measure to guarantee political stability and, more significantly, to reinforce the democratic spirit of cooperation that is essential for the long-term health of the federation. The pursuit of the 27th Amendment thus stands as a vital contemporary demonstration of Pakistan’s evolving constitutional journey, prioritising inclusion and mutual respect as the bedrock for institutional strength.
