Islamabad: Bilawal Bhutto Rejects Speculation on 28th Amendment

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has dismissed reports suggesting that discussions are underway regarding a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment, saying no formal talks have taken place so far.

Speaking during the PPP parliamentary party meeting in Islamabad, Bilawal clarified that there were currently no negotiations with the federal government on any new constitutional amendment.

According to Beyond Time News, Bilawal said he could only comment if any development takes place in the future. He added that previous constitutional amendments, including the 26th and 27th amendments, helped strengthen provincial rights and improve representation within national institutions.

The PPP chairman said his party played a major role in ensuring representation of all provinces in the Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court.

His remarks came after State Minister for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik rejected claims that any future amendment would weaken the 18th Amendment. Malik stated that the impression being created about rolling back provincial autonomy was incorrect and misleading.

The 18th Amendment, introduced during the PPP government in 2010, remains one of the party’s most significant constitutional reforms. The amendment transferred several powers from the federal government to the provinces and has remained a sensitive political issue in Pakistan.

PPP Forms Committee for Budget Negotiations

During the meeting, Bilawal also announced the formation of a four-member committee to hold budget negotiations with the federal government.

The committee includes:

• Raja Pervaiz Ashraf
• Naveed Qamar
• Saleem Mandviwala
• Sherry Rehman

According to Beyond Time News, Bilawal stressed that the government would require PPP’s support to pass the federal budget or introduce any constitutional amendment.

Read more:Sindh Expands Peoples Bus Service With New Routes

Inflation and Economic Pressure Remain Key Concerns

Bilawal warned that the upcoming federal budget could create further financial pressure on the public if relief measures are not introduced.

He said inflation continues to affect people across Pakistan, making daily life difficult for ordinary citizens. The PPP chairman added that political parties understand public hardships and should work together to provide economic relief.

Bilawal also appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s efforts to control inflation and said the PPP was willing to cooperate with the federal government in reducing economic difficulties faced by the public.

Commenting briefly on regional matters, Bilawal stated that no offer or proposal had been made to him regarding Iran-US negotiations, but he expressed hope that future talks between Tehran and Washington would succeed peacefully.