Although a formal draft of the 28th Constitutional Amendment has not yet been officially tabled or shared with parliament, however, it is a subject of heavy speculation, and various political factions, business bodies, and government representatives have highlighted the major points and proposals surrounding the potential package.
A major point of discussion is the potential reversal or modification of provincial devolution. According to a report of a reliable news outlet, business groups like the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) have formally written to political parties urging that the agriculture and industry sectors be returned to federal policy control. The PBF argues that devolution under the 18th Amendment fractured economic governance, leading to a drastic drop in major crop productions (like cotton) and conflicting provincial regulations.
Secondly, there is strong speculation and concern within certain political circles, especially from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), that the amendment could target the existing NFC Award formula. Critics and regional leaders, such as former Senator Sassui Palijo, have warned of public resistance if the federal government tries to alter the formula to reduce the provinces’ financial shares or reclaim subjects like health and education.
One of the primary drivers pushing for a new amendment package is the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). MQM-P leaders said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously promised them that a future amendment would strictly address their long-standing demand for a constitutionally guaranteed, fully empowered local government system.
Creation of New Provinces and Administrative Changes
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, during media interactions, said that while there are “no current indications” of the 28th Amendment being immediately introduced without full coalition consensus, broader structural issues like population control and the creation of Hazara and Saraiki provinces are part of the ongoing constitutional discourse among political stakeholders.
Law Minister Tarar has maintained that legislation is a continuous process, but any future 28th Amendment will only move forward once a total consensus is reached with all coalition partners.
Former Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani and other PPP stalwarts have strongly opposed the idea, stating that the Constitution “cannot bear the burden” of another tweak so soon after the 26th and 27th amendments, warning that altering provincial boundaries or autonomy could destabilize the federation.
For a detailed look into the ongoing political debate and how fast the government could potentially move on this package, but critics said that the main target of this amendment would be the repeal of the 18th amendment and the creation of new provinces.
Read also: Sanaullah: 28th Amendment will soon be passed, focused on public concerns
