Prime Minister’s aide says constitutional reforms will only be pursued after reaching consensus among all political actors
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah. SCREENSHOT
Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Saturday objected to speculation about an imminent constitutional amendment, saying no such move would take place without broad political consensus among all stakeholders.
Rumors about a proposed 28th constitutional amendment have been circulating since last year and have gained strength in recent times. Amid growing speculation, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said a day earlier that the government had not contacted his party about any proposed constitutional amendments, while warning that the passage of such legislation would not be possible without its support.
Speaking on a private television show »Jirga“, Sanaullah remained evasive when asked about the proposed 28th constitutional amendment.
Read: No progress on 28th constitutional amendment, says Justice Minister
“It is established that whatever amendment will be made, it will be the 28th amendment because the 27th has already been drafted. So now we should expect the 28th amendment,” he said.
He, however, did not confirm whether such an amendment was under consideration, adding that issues potentially related to a 28th Amendment were of fundamental importance and remained part of the ongoing dialogue between political parties and their leaders.
Responding to a question, he supported Bilawal’s position that no constitutional amendment could be passed without the support of the PPP.
“Yes, absolutely. He’s right that no amendment can be made without them, and he’s also right in that they weren’t informed that we were going to make a 28th Amendment,” he said.
He, however, added that the PPP itself was aware of the problems in question and also had proposals to resolve them.
“The search for consensus has not yet begun. Until there is consensus, no progress will be made towards any amendment,” he said.
Read also: The PPP despises the government’s 28th adjustment plan
Addressing broader issues of governance and taxation, including local government systems, National Finance Commission (NFC) award, population control and resource distribution, he said the existing framework left the federal government with very limited fiscal space after debt servicing and defense spending.
“The distribution of resources between the provinces and the federation under the NFC leaves almost nothing for the federation after paying the external debt and defense costs,” he said, adding that the issue was being seriously studied and required a viable solution.
Expressing concern over a possible future water crisis, the advisor said India plans to build five to six dams on the Chenab River, projects which he said could be completed by 2029-2030.
He warned that in such a scenario, India would be able to control the flow of the river.
“India will use water as a weapon. When we need it, they can block it, and when we don’t need it, they can release it suddenly, causing floods here,” he said.
He added that Pakistan should urgently consider alternative strategies, including the construction of water reservoirs, to address this potential challenge.
