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PPP Agrees to Amend Article 243, Rejects Moves to Curb Provincial Financial Powers
PPP’s CEC conditionally backs amendments to Article 243 on armed forces’ powers but rejects proposals affecting provinces’ financial autonomy and education control. Bilawal affirms “no compromise on provincial rights.”
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-07
PPP Agrees to Amend Article 243, Rejects Moves to Curb Provincial Financial Powers

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has agreed to proposed amendments to Article 243 of the Constitution — which outlines the powers and federal control over the armed forces — during a meeting of its Central Executive Committee (CEC) on Friday.

The decision came as part of ongoing discussions on the 27th Constitutional Amendment, a proposal aimed at introducing structural reforms in governance, judiciary, and civil-military relations.

Party insiders confirmed that the CEC meeting, which resumed after Friday prayers at Bilawal House, focused extensively on constitutional changes being advanced by the federal government.

During the session, the PPP conditionally supported limited changes to Article 243 but maintained that any reform must not undermine the autonomy of provinces.

“The PPP can never compromise on the financial rights of the provinces,” party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari declared on Thursday night while announcing the CEC’s preliminary decisions.

According to party sources, the PPP has so far agreed only to the proposed amendment to Article 243, while rejecting other key proposals.

The party expressed willingness to support the creation of constitutional courts, but only if equal provincial representation is guaranteed in their structure and functioning.

However, the PPP firmly opposed proposals that would alter the provincial share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award or transfer control of education back to the federal government, both of which were devolved under the 18th Amendment.

PPP leaders reiterated that the party remains committed to defending the spirit of the 18th Amendment, which enshrines provincial autonomy and fiscal independence.

“Any attempt to roll back the gains of devolution will be resisted,” a senior CEC member told reporters after the meeting.

The PPP’s stance comes as part of wider consultations among coalition partners over the 27th Amendment, which has sparked debate over the balance of power between the federation and provinces.

The party’s final position on the broader constitutional package is expected to be announced once consultations conclude.
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