Will support govt on Article 243, but not dual citizenship amendment: Bilawal

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that his party would support the government on amending Article 243 under the proposed 27th Amendment but cannot support the amendment related to dual citizenship.

Addressing a press conference after party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, he said that constitutional courts were essential for ensuring the rule of law and the smooth functioning of democracy.

Bilawal said that the PPP would also review other points of the “Charter of Democracy” through consultation with the government. “It was the PPP’s idea to establish constitutional courts. We believe these are necessary institutions, and more points of the Charter of Democracy should also be implemented.”

Bilawal said the PPP has formulated its own proposals regarding judges’ transfers, suggesting that such decisions should be made through the Judicial Commission.

Bilawal said the CEC could not reach a consensus on the Chief Election Commissioner’s issue, adding that the party would not compromise on the provinces’ share in the NFC Award.

He said the PPP gives priority to the local government system, which is most autonomous in Sindh—both administratively and financially.

“No amendment related to the local government system has been discussed with the federal government,” he added.

Commenting on the constitutional amendment, Bilawal said the 27th Amendment poses no threat to democracy, adding that the PPP “fully supports the government’s constitutional reforms.”

Regarding the president’s role in judicial transfers, Bilawal said: “The Constitution allows the president to transfer judges with permission. The government suggests that this permission be replaced by a commission’s decision, but we believe the president should continue to play his role.”

He further said that Punjab’s local government system lacks even the seat of mayor, whereas Sindh has the country’s most empowered local setup.

Highlighting the PPP’s achievements, Bilawal said his party has made significant progress in the health sector, while “some federal institutions have failed to perform their duties.”