Rana Sanaullah rules out immediate introduction of 27th Amendment

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that while the Constitution is a sacred document, it is not the final word, and constructive dialogue and debate are an essential part of democracy.

In an interview, he said that constitutional amendments are made to improve the system, adding that discussions on certain issues have continued since the passage of the 26th Amendment. “Talks about the 27th Amendment are under way, but it has not yet been introduced. It is not as if we are bringing it tomorrow morning,” he remarked.

Sanaullah said the consultation process had already begun and the government was engaging with coalition partners, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). “We will also take Maulana Fazlur Rehman and others on board. This will be a collective process,” he stated.

He clarified that authority would continue to rest with the Chief Justice and the Judicial Commission, and said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had no reservations about the 18th Amendment, which dealt with the division of resources between the federation and the provinces.

Consultation under way

Sanaullah dismissed the growing public anxiety around the proposed 27th Amendment, saying there was no reason to fear. “Some people are spreading unnecessary panic as if a calamity is about to strike. Amendments are made to keep the Constitution relevant and effective with time,” he said during a talk show on Geo News.

He said the government would not make any unilateral decisions and would seek consensus before introducing any amendment. “Whatever concerns are raised will be addressed in a positive and inclusive manner, no matter how long it takes,” he added.

Reports suggest the proposals under discussion include the creation of constitutional courts, restoration of executive magistrates, and changes related to Article 243 on the command of armed forces, along with reviewing provincial shares under the National Finance Commission (NFC).

Balance between centre and provinces

The senior PML-N leader underlined the need to ensure a fair balance of resources between the centre and the provinces. “After defence spending and debt repayment, the federation is left with very little and often has to borrow to manage its affairs,” he said.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the proposed amendment aims to bring education and population control back under federal supervision for better policy coordination.

Sanaullah reaffirmed that any eventual amendment would be made after reaching a broad consensus, ensuring transparency and protecting democratic principles.