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ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League (Zia) leader Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq while participating in the debate stressed the need for centralized coordination in areas such as education, health and population control to avoid confusion among citizens and donors over which level of government to approach.
He said that previous amendments had left certain issues unresolved and urged that a proper constitutional framework for local governance must be prioritized.
Ijaz-ul-Haq underscored the importance of protecting Article 140-A, which safeguards local bodies, describing them as “the essence of democracy.”
He criticized lawmakers for focusing narrowly on constituency-level issues, such as local infrastructure, rather than broader legislation aimed at public welfare.
Ijaz-ul-Haq argued that reforms under Article 140, designed to give constitutional protection to local bodies, should be fully implemented to strengthen grassroots democracy.
He also called for a measured approach to constitutional amendments, urging that pending changes to be incorporated into a future 28th Amendment. “Thoughtful deliberation will produce better outcomes for Pakistan’s democracy, governance and education system than rushing through reforms,” he added.
Naeema Kishwar Khan said her party opposed the amendment, emphasizing that laws should be made for the welfare of the common people and called for protection of the local bodies system.
Syed Ali Qasim Gillani said PPP remains the custodian of the 18th Amendment and affirmed that promises made under the Charter of Democracy had been fulfilled.
Malik Amir Dogar claimed the 27th Amendment would weaken the federation and undermine judicial independence.
Syed Hafeezuddin said the amendment had been drafted keeping in view the requirements of the country and expressed regret that the opposition had not participated in consultations.
“Your suggestions could have been included in the amendment, but unfortunately, you are not serious,” he added.
Mirza Ikhtiar Baig on said the 27th Constitutional Amendment was the unfinished agenda of the 26th Amendment, saying that promises made under the Charter of Democracy (CoD) had been fulfilled.
He also commended the Pakistan armed forces for their response to Indian aggression.
Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry recalled the 2018 elections, alleging that party tickets were forcibly withdrawn from some candidates and others pressured to leave their parties.
He stressed that democratic accountability requires vigilance at all levels, not only during high-profile discussions and called on parliamentarians to actively protect citizens’ rights.
He criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province for having an effectively stalled accountability mechanism for 13 years, challenging PTI members to name the head of the provincial accountability commission.
Danyal Chaudhry said that poor law and order conditions prevent members of the provincial assembly from moving safely beyond their constituencies.
Regarding the 27th Amendment, he said, “This is for the martyrs who sacrificed their lives protecting our borders and the faith we hold dear.”
“Today’s legislation and amendments are being discussed on high moral grounds,” he added.
He described the 27th Amendment as more than a document, calling it a measure to reshape democracy and the country’s future.
Danyal Chaudhry criticized PTI leaders for not upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law, saying, “If they truly cared about strengthening Parliament, they would sit with the opposition, work with the government, participate in committees, and play their role.”
He said the proposed constitutional courts would ensure faster resolution of cases, promising “speedy and swift justice, the kind of justice we have been demanding.”
Danyal Chaudhry urged the opposition to actively participate in committees if they were serious about representing the people and advancing the country.
He urged parliamentarians to speak for marginalized citizens, including those whose legal petitions abroad have already won sympathetic rulings, and called for consistent defense of democratic principles from all sides.
Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said that constitutional reforms are the need of the hour.
He emphasized that collective efforts by all political forces are essential to lift 100 million people out of poverty, adding that without national consensus, the economy cannot be stabilized.
The minister termed the suicide attack outside the Islamabad District Courts as a tragic incident, saying such acts not only cause loss of lives but also damage the overall investment climate in the country.
He reiterated that the Prime Minister has repeatedly called for a Charter of Economy, which requires a broad-based national consensus.
Qaiser Sheikh said that Pakistan’s current exports stand at 32 billion dollars, while the volume of investment remains significantly lower compared to neighboring countries.
Calling the constitutional amendments timely and necessary, he welcomed the introduction of the new position of Chief of Defence Forces for the Army Chief, adding that Field Marshal Asim Munir played a commendable and proud role during the recent Pakistan-India conflict.
The minister said that the establishment of a Constitutional Court will help expedite the disposal of citizens’ cases, as constitutional litigation had previously consumed much of the judiciary’s time.
He said that even after the 18th Amendment, the process of devolution of powers to the grassroots level remains incomplete. The transfer of education to the provinces, he said, has not brought the desired improvements.
The minister stressed the need for joint reforms in education and other sectors, warning that the country’s population growth rate of 3.2 percent is not being matched by an equivalent increase in GDP.