ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to start consultations with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other political parties to re-visit 18th Constitutional Amendment.
Officials say the proposed 27th Amendment will be presented in parliament only if there is a unified consensus. The government plans to start talks during the current National Assembly session, with the focus on including the PPP in the first round of talks. If the PPP agrees, other parties will be brought on board. The content of the talks will remain confidential until a comprehensive agreement is reached.
Government sources say that several powers were transferred to the provinces through the 18th Amendment, but many of them were never implemented due to a lack of principles and procedures. Some provinces are yet to activate key ministries given under the amendment.
The federal government is also reportedly trying to review the fiscal autonomy of the provinces. Proposals under consideration include redefining local government powers and increasing the federal share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award.
A cabinet committee on law is currently reviewing the proposed changes. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate. With the support of the PPP, the government could secure the numbers in the lower house, but it would still need a BA.
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