Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced on Friday that his party would not support constitutional proposals related to dual nationality, the appointment of the election commissioner, or the restoration of executive magistrates.
Speaking to reporters after the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting on the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, Bilawal reiterated that the PPP supports the creation of constitutional courts as outlined in the Charter of Democracy. He emphasized that the constitutional process for judicial transfers—conducted by the president on the advice of the chief justice—should remain intact.
Under the proposed amendment, parliamentary committees would oversee judicial transfers. Bilawal suggested including both chief justices as members of the committee to ensure transparency and consultation with the concerned judges.
Discussing local governance, Bilawal said the Punjab local government system had weakened the role of mayors, contrasting it with Sindh’s system, which he described as the strongest and most autonomous among the provinces. He reaffirmed that PPP has always championed local governance, citing its victories in mayoral elections across Sindh, including Karachi.
Rejecting any compromise on provincial financial shares, Bilawal said the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award must remain unchanged, as it protects provincial rights. He maintained that the judicial commission is the proper forum for matters like judicial transfers and reiterated that the demand for constitutional courts is a long-standing PPP position.
Sources earlier indicated that the PPP’s CEC had reviewed a government proposal to introduce a new article restricting bureaucrats from holding dual nationality. The proposed clause, based on Article 63(1)(c) of the Constitution, would require government employees to choose between employment and dual nationality to ensure full loyalty to Pakistan.
President Asif Ali Zardari and senior party leaders also attended the CEC meeting.
