18th Amendment untouchable, declares Bilawal during NA session

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that no one can dare to roll back the 18th Constitution Amendment.

Speaking in the National Assembly during a debate on the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025, Bilawal said, “No one’s father can undo the 18th Amendment. Pakistan’s armed forces have gained respect globally after they shot down Indian jets. That action earned recognition and even the title of Field Marshal, which has now been incorporated into the 27th Amendment.” During his speech, opposition lawmakers staged a noisy protest.

Bilawal emphasized national unity against terrorism, saying, “From Islamabad to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we condemn all terrorist incidents. Pakistan has achieved what NATO and other forces could not in Afghanistan. The nation stands united against extremists, and for the country’s security, we must all come together.”

He added, “The terrorists were defeated before, and they will be defeated again. Despite objections, the Federal Constitutional Bench has been created. He said that the PTI and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman agreed on this step.”

Bilawal highlighted Pakistan’s military successes, saying, “Our forces dealt a striking blow to India, earning global respect. Today, the Field Marshal rank is constitutionally protected, a measure we support.”

Bilawal reaffirmed PPP’s commitment to the 18th Amendment, asserting, “No one, no matter how powerful, can undo the 18th Amendment. We had decided during the 18th Amendment to establish the Constitutional Court, and we will now make it a reality.”

He urged opposition parties to support the 27th Amendment, stating, “Opposition should not enter the house only for their leaders’ release but participate in legislation and other national matters. Pakistan’s brave nation has defeated terrorists before, and the opposition will also be held accountable to the public.”

Bilawal highlighted key provisions of the amendment, including equal provincial representation in the Constitutional Court. “We are correcting past mistakes and establishing the court. The 27th Amendment will be a historic success. After this, no Suo Moto action will be taken against elected officials.”

He reiterated the party’s commitment to provincial rights and fiscal devolution, saying, “As long as I am party chairman, constitutional protection for provinces will remain. Sindh currently enjoys the highest powers among local government institutions, and the provinces will keep their share. The NFC award and provincial rights will not be compromised, and FBR failures should not be shifted to provinces.”

Bilawal also stressed political unity and cooperation for national stability: “Political differences are natural, but for the country, we must unite. To reduce tension, we must keep channels open, and the opposition can protest but should not abandon its political role. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is working hard and delivering for the country.”

He concluded by appealing for peace and caution against separatist agendas: “We have ended separatist politics, and I urge everyone not to take actions that strengthen separatists. Provincial powers will be respected, and provinces will contribute resources if empowered.”

The National Assembly is expected to vote on the 27th Constitutional Amendment today, which, if passed, will be sent to the president for assent, after which it will become part of the Constitution of Pakistan.

At the outset, the house offered fateha for the victims of the suicide blast at Islamabad’s sessions and district courts. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq condemned the attack on behalf of the National Assembly.

Earlier, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, addressing the house, criticised the 27th Amendment, saying it seeks to block the public’s right to rule. “It pains me to see such an undemocratic amendment being added to Pakistan’s Constitution,” he said.

Achakzai said that democratic and non-democratic forces have long been at odds in Pakistan. “Even if the PTI founder was good or bad, why did you allow him to become prime minister? Since Pakistan’s inception, this tug of war has continued. Through this amendment, you have once again sided with non-democratic forces,” he remarked.

He accused the government of trying to block the PTI’s political path, saying the party’s election symbol was snatched but the youth still trusted it. “Our generals are not above prophets; they must seek forgiveness. Our children were shot, women humiliated — this government has blood on its hands,” he added, accusing the PML-N of “stealing the mandate.”

Achakzai called for a six-month national government to oversee elections and said history would not forgive those supporting the 27th Amendment.

Quoting poet Habib Jalib, he said, “Aisay dastoor ko, subh-e-be-noor ko, hum nahin maante (We reject such a constitution, such a lightless dawn).”

Independent lawmaker Sanaullah Masti Khel also opposed the amendment, warning that “history will not forgive those who support it.”

He said bureaucrats could not be allowed to transfer judges and noted that the amendment removes “Pakistan” from the Supreme Court’s name. He added that Mufti Taqi Usmani had declared the proposed presidential immunity “un-Islamic.”

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, defending the amendment, said Parliament was performing its constitutional duty. “Those who claim double standards have no politics beyond hypocrisy,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s standing in the world had improved due to bold leadership.

He criticised Achakzai for mentioning Kabul, saying, “He sees only Kabul — nothing else.” Tarar accused the opposition of blindly following leaders and relying on TikTok speeches and selfies. “If only they had done some research or learned some English before talking,” he quipped.

Tarar said Pakistan’s global image had improved, pointing out that the country received $3.4 billion in remittances in October — 11 per cent higher than last year. “Pakistan’s name is being respected because of its courageous leadership,” he said.

If passed today, sources added, judges of the Federal Constitutional Court could take oath as early as Thursday, formally bringing the new court into existence.

Under the 27th Amendment, the president will appoint judges of the Federal Constitutional Court on the advice of the prime minister. The Senate has already approved the proposed bill.