By Irfan Malik
ISLAMABAD; Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Tuesday that the long-discussed 27th Constitutional Amendment would soon be presented before Parliament, assuring that the process would be transparent and in line with constitutional principles.
Speaking in the Senate session, Dar confirmed, “Of course, the government is bringing it, and it will be brought soon. The 27th Amendment will arrive in accordance with the law and the Constitution.”
His remarks came a day after the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) revealed that the government had sought its support for the proposed changes, sparking nationwide debate and political speculation.
The proposed amendment has become a major political flashpoint, with some parties expressing concern that it may dilute powers devolved to the provinces under the historic 18th Amendment. The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vowed to oppose the move “tooth and nail.”
Dar clarified that the government was consulting with all major political parties, especially the PPP, which is its largest coalition partner. “We have held at least three rounds of talks, and the law minister has also conducted consultations,” he said, adding that other allies would also be taken into confidence before the draft is finalized.
Responding to PTI Senator Barrister Ali Zafar’s concerns, Dar assured that the amendment would not be rushed through Parliament. “There will be no ad hoc or haphazard voting. Every step — including committee discussions and debate — will be followed properly,” he said.
Commenting on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s social media post confirming the government’s approach, Dar said, “He had every right to post about it. The areas he identified were indeed part of our discussions.”
He further urged Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to table the amendment first in the Senate, describing it as a more “professional and policy-driven” house. Dar also requested the Senate deputy chairman to expedite the appointment of an opposition leader in the upper house to ensure a complete legislative process.
Addressing the chamber, Dar also touched upon Pakistan’s strained ties with Afghanistan, lamenting the continued border tensions despite Islamabad’s repeated outreach. He criticized the 2021 government for making what he termed “a costly mistake” by allowing the return of thousands of Taliban fighters and releasing militants involved in deadly attacks within Pakistan.
Dar revealed that Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi had called him six times a day earlier regarding current issues, to which Dar replied that Pakistan had only one demand: to stop cross-border terrorism. “Even a friend like me, who always sought peaceful engagement, feels helpless now,” he said.
A constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament. The ruling coalition currently holds 233 of 336 seats in the National Assembly and 61 of 96 in the Senate, meaning it will need at least three opposition votes — possibly from JUI-F senators — to ensure passage.
