Karachi: (Tassawar News) The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has emphatically rejected the proposal to alter the existing formula of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, firmly reiterating its unwavering commitment to provincial autonomy and the principle of equitable financial distribution among all provinces. This critical stance was articulated by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during a recent press briefing, following an intensive session of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC). The meeting, which was attended by senior figures including President Asif Ali Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, focused on multiple pressing constitutional and financial matters, notably the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment and the establishment of a specialized constitutional court.
Firm Stand on Financial Distribution and Provincial Rights
The central point of contention discussed within the CEC was the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, the mechanism that legally governs the division of financial resources between the federal government and the four provinces. The PPP leadership was resolute in rejecting any move that could potentially undermine the financial independence and constitutional rights of the provinces. This position aligns with the party’s long-standing political ideology, which champions the devolution of power and the protection of provincial rights, particularly in the context of the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
“The PPP remains steadfast in defending provincial rights, constitutional balance, and federal harmony, which he said are essential for Pakistan’s democratic stability,” Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated, underlining the party’s fundamental commitment.
The overwhelming consensus among CEC members was to oppose any proposal seeking to change the NFC formula. This strong opposition underscores the party’s sensitivity to the issue of fiscal federalism, viewing the current NFC framework as a cornerstone of the country’s federal harmony and democratic stability. By forcefully rejecting changes to the distribution mechanism, the PPP is positioning itself as the primary defender of the smaller provinces’ financial interests.
Debate on Constitutional and Administrative Amendments
Beyond the NFC, the CEC meeting focused on several other significant legal and administrative proposals. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari confirmed that the committee had approved proposed amendments to Article 243 of the Constitution, although the specific details of these amendments were not immediately disclosed.
Furthermore, extensive discussions were held regarding the idea of forming a constitutional court. While the matter remains under deliberation, the PPP has established a crucial condition for its eventual support:
“He emphasized that if such a court is established, all four provinces must have equal representation to ensure fairness and balance.”
This insistence on equal provincial representation in the constitutional court highlights the PPP’s continuous effort to ensure that any new national institution is structured to prevent domination by the largest province and to guarantee true federal balance. The final decision on the constitutional court’s formation is pending the outcome of a CEC meeting scheduled immediately after Friday prayers.
Interestingly, while the party displayed near-unanimity in opposing NFC formula changes, members were generally less resistant to the proposal of transferring the Population Welfare Department back under federal supervision. This nuanced approach suggests that the party is willing to consider the return of certain departments to federal oversight where such a move might enhance administrative efficiency or policy coherence, provided it does not critically compromise the financial autonomy of the provinces.
Review of the 27th Constitutional Amendment and Inter-Party Consensus
A significant portion of the session was dedicated to reviewing key points of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment draft. The party leadership ensured that CEC members were taken into confidence regarding the party’s overall policy direction concerning the amendment. Legal experts within the PPP provided their insights, confirming that the draft had already incorporated many of the party’s legal recommendations, ensuring consistency with both the Constitution and core democratic principles.
Despite the broad support expressed for the draft, party sources indicated that some minor differences were noted within the CEC. In light of these issues, the party leadership is committed to engaging relevant stakeholders and allied parties to reach a final, cohesive consensus. This signals a constructive approach to coalition politics and legislative drafting.
It was also reported that the PPP and its key political ally, the PML-N, are currently aligned on the formation of a federal constitutional court. However, further discussions with other parliamentary parties will be necessary to secure the supermajority required for passing a constitutional amendment.
Furthermore, the draft amendment includes critical provisions relating to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), specifically introducing measures aimed at ensuring a more transparent and efficient process for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and ECP members. This indicates a shared focus among major parties on electoral governance reform.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Stability through Federal Balance
The latest CEC meeting of the Pakistan Peoples Party has firmly established the party’s legislative priorities: an unyielding defense of provincial financial rights by rejecting any alteration to the NFC formula, coupled with a commitment to ensuring federal balance in new institutions like the proposed constitutional court. The comprehensive review of the 27th Constitutional Amendment and the party’s engagement with allied partners demonstrate a pragmatic effort to achieve necessary reforms while safeguarding the fundamental tenets of devolution and constitutional stability. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s reaffirmed commitment to constitutional balance and federal harmony underscores the PPP’s belief that these principles are not just political preferences but are, in fact, essential for Pakistan’s democratic stability and future cohesion.
Would you like to know more about the current formula and distribution mechanism of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award?
