27th Constitutional Amendment Tops Agenda as PM Shehbaz Holds Key Meetings

The government of Pakistan, led by Shehbaz Sharif, is actively pushing ahead with preparations for the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. The prime minister convened a series of meetings this week with major political parties, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement‑Pakistan (MQM-P), the Istehkam‑e‑Pakistan Party (IPP), and the Pakistan Muslim League‑Quaid (PML-Q), signalling strong consensus-building efforts.

Key features under discussion include enhancing the constitutional framework to grant greater autonomy to local governments and ensuring alignment of Article 243, which outlines the command of the armed forces, with national unity and modern defence priorities. The MQM-P stressed that the amendment must guarantee that local bodies — such as nazims and mayors — have tenures and powers enshrined in the Constitution rather than being dependent on executive orders.

Officials from the office of the renewable energy minister noted that the amendment may be tabled as early as next week, once draft legislation is finalised. Backed by ministers from law, information, and economic affairs, the proposed changes reflect the government’s ambition to strengthen local-level governance while preserving provincial and national sovereignty.

Observers say the move marks one of the most significant constitutional shifts since the 18th Amendment in 2010. By centring the discussion on local autonomy and defence structure, the government is signalling a recalibration of the federal-provincial power balance ahead of upcoming election cycles.