Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) President Bilawal Bhutto Zardari claimed that only parliament has authority to turn on the 26th constitutional change, saying no other institution would be recognized if it attempts to undo the amendment.
He approached the media in the House of Parliament and also clarified that PPP is not part of the federal cabinet, Express News expressed Friday. “I am neither a minister, nor do I have any state position, so I do not have an official agenda during my upcoming visit to the United States,” he said.
In response to a journalist’s question about the possibility that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif completed his five -year period, Bilawal replied, “Insha Allah,” but repeated that PPP would not be part of the federal cabinet.
On the subject of foreign policy, Bilawal recognized the complex geopolitics of the region and highlighted the US -China relationship. “PPP will never compromise on our nuclear assets or program,” he confirmed.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s foreign policy remains stable with a special focus on the country’s nuclear assets and missile technology, which he credited as the legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.
In the question of Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Bilawal suggested that advice with media representatives and digital media experts before passing such legislation would have been a better approach.
He advised the government to build consensus before making any decisions to ensure smoother implementation.
Bilawal also dealt with cases of the judiciary and emphasized that when a new judge is appointed to the Supreme Court, other judges should facilitate their transition rather than create difficulties.
“Whether it’s a bench of the Supreme Court or a constitutional bench, everyone must respect the constitution and the law,” he added.
Bilawal’s remarks come in the midst of growing discussion around the 26th constitutional change, especially its rollback.
He made it clear that any return of the amendment should only be carried out by parliament, where he warned that neither PPP nor anyone else would accept any attempt from another institution to regret the changes.
The 26th amendment has given rise to a significant debate with a constitutional bench of the Supreme Court planned to hear petitions against it on January 27.
The amendment adopted in October 2024 introduced key changes in the legal appointment process specifically in Article 175-A. These changes were significant, especially when the amendment changed the procedure for choosing Chief Justice of Pakistan.
On January 16, a bench case related to the amendment and the forces of the ordinary bench that highlights the ongoing tensions about the issue.
The 26th change had previously led to the establishment of a parliamentary committee to choose Chief Justice, a break from Pakistan’s long-standing tradition of choosing the senior-most judge for the role.
Bilawal also reflected on the recent story of legal appointments, including the controversial selection of Justice Yahya Afridi as the next Chief Justice in October 2024, which led to amendment of legal procedures through the amendment.
