Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday declared that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would firmly resist the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, describing it as an attempt to undermine provincial autonomy guaranteed under the 18th Amendment.
“Any effort that weakens the democratic mandate of the provinces will be opposed,” Afridi told reporters outside Parliament House after a parliamentary party meeting. He termed the amendment a “robbery of provincial autonomy” and a direct attack on the rights of federating units.
Afridi emphasized that the federal government owes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) its rightful financial share. “Under the NFC Award, KP’s share is 19.4%, amounting to over Rs7.5 billion. Provinces must receive the resources defined under the 18th Amendment,” he said, adding that there would be no compromise on provincial autonomy.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is seeking broad political consensus on the proposed amendment, which aims to establish a Constitutional Court, adjust the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, amend Article 243 (related to the supreme command of the armed forces), introduce executive magistrates, facilitate transfer of judges, and modify certain protections related to provincial shares.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also criticized the amendment on the National Assembly floor, warning it threatens the federal-provincial balance. “There is unrest across the country because the federation appears to be encroaching on provincial authority,” he said, noting that while India has amended its constitution 106 times, Pakistan’s 18th Amendment was a landmark achieved by consensus and must be respected.
Gohar highlighted that the 27th Amendment risks dividing the judiciary further and violates the principle that provinces must not receive a lesser share than before. “It goes against the spirit of Parliament and the Constitution,” he remarked.
PTI Resolution for CM Meeting with Imran Khan
Separately, PTI lawmakers submitted a resolution in the National Assembly calling for Chief Minister Afridi to meet PTI founder Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail. Signed by 34 PTI MNAs, the resolution emphasizes that consultation with the party leader is a democratic necessity.
Afridi said he had repeatedly sought permission for the meeting since becoming KP chief minister and approached the High Court when it was not facilitated. “Parliament is supreme, which is why I submitted the resolution here,” he added.
