Opposition meets Fazlur Rehman to forge joint stance on 27th Amendment

Opposition leaders joined heads over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, convening at the residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the amendment’s scope and the broader political situation.

The huddle was attended by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, and nominated opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

According to sources, the discussions focused on developing a unified parliamentary strategy and building consensus on the upcoming amendment. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Qaiser thanked Fazl for supporting Achakzai’s nomination as Leader of the Opposition.

“The opposition will remain united in the Assembly, and any strategy will be agreed upon collectively,” he said. He added that the 27th Amendment would be thoroughly examined before any position is taken. “There should be no hasty decisions. The government must issue Achakzai’s notification as opposition leader without delay to maintain parliamentary norms.”

Also Read: ‘No plan to undo 18th Amendment,’ govt tells NA during 27th Amendment row

Fazl cautioned that constitutional amendments must not be pushed through without broad agreement. “The Constitution is not something to be treated lightly,” he said. “Attempting a second amendment within a year risks damaging constitutional stability. During the 26th Amendment, we forced the government to withdraw 34 clauses. Now, once again, changes are being prepared without even sharing the draft.”

He alleged that the amendment process seemed influenced by ‘external forces’ and claimed the government had already been working on it for three months. “If amendments are forced, public trust in the Constitution will be eroded,” he warned, adding that opposition parties would work jointly to safeguard national unity.

The meeting concluded on what participants described as a “positive and cordial” note, with leaders reaffirming that they would shape a collective position in Parliament on the amendment and other national matters.

Earlier, Senator Faisal Vawda said the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment has sufficient parliamentary support for approval, dismissing concerns over coalition numbers. He also said the 18th Amendment would not be repealed, while adding that discussions had already begun on proposals for a 28th Amendment. He met JUI-F chief at his residence in Islamabad on Wednesday as consultations continued among political parties over the amendment draft.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said, “There is no issue of numbers” for the passage of the 27th Amendment and that Fazl would review and understand the clauses. “Maulana Sahib is very important for Pakistan’s survival and security,” he said, calling the JUI-F chief “a strong politician” playing a major role in the national mainstream.

Vawda said consultations on the amendment were ongoing across political parties, adding that he had already begun work on the next phase. “As the country progresses, amendments will continue to come,” he said.

He stated that measures required for Pakistan’s security and administrative efficiency would be included in the amendment. He mentioned changes related to transfers, postings, and age-related provisions, but stressed that the 18th Amendment was not being rolled back. He said the government was providing Rs2 trillion to the provinces and that consensual adjustments would not be harmful.

Read: 27th Amendment — What we know so far

Referring to Article 243, Vawda argued that it did not relate only to armed conflict on land. “It also includes economic and cyber fronts,” he said. “If we need to empower all three services, we will do so — we will strengthen them so that defence is secure.”

He said the 27th Amendment was likely to pass without difficulty. “If there is any ambiguity, ‘flight on board’ is available,” he remarked. He added that Fazl would make his own decision and described the meeting as part of routine political discussion.

Commenting on party positions, Vawda said the Pakistan Peoples Party was the guarantor of the system and would not allow a rollback. He suggested that PTI should be taken into confidence, but said it would be PTI’s choice whether to join consultations.

He also remarked on political alliances, saying the 27th Amendment ‘has taken off’ and described Asif Ali Zardari as ‘a major political player’ with a strong political dynamic alongside Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He welcomed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for ‘rising from the grassroots,’ and said PTI should engage in ‘positive politics’ if it wished to be part of the amendment process.