Bilawal shares PPP's proposals, seeks public input for 26th amendment

PPP proposes establishment of federal constitutional court with equal representation from all federating units

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called for public suggestions on improving the 26th constitutional amendment, sharing his party's proposed draft and inviting input for judicial reforms.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, Bilawal emphasised that the proposed amendment aligns with the unfinished agenda of the Charter of Democracy. He stated, "We propose the establishment of a federal constitutional court with equal representation from all federating units."

According to Bilawal, the proposed court would address issues related to fundamental rights, constitutional interpretation, and disputes between the federation and provinces.

"Our recommendation is to end the current process of judges being appointed by judges for judges," he said, advocating for a new system that merges judicial and parliamentary committees to ensure equal roles for the judiciary, parliament, and the legal community.

Bilawal also mentioned that the PPP had shared its draft proposal with the government months ago and recently with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and a special parliamentary committee. “We are in productive talks with opposition parties, including JUI-F, to reach a consensus,” he added.

The PPP chairman invited citizens to submit "valid and meaningful suggestions" to further improve the amendment. He stressed that the party had already launched a broad nationwide consultation campaign, engaging political parties, bar associations, and civil society in the process.

Bilawal expressed hope that the consultations would lead to a unified draft, paving the way for broad political consensus to pass the 26th amendment. "We believe a joint draft could form the foundation for wider political agreement," he stated.