State Minister for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik has dismissed speculation that a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment could reverse the historic 18th Amendment, calling such claims completely misleading. Speaking during Geo News’ programme “Capital Talk,” Malik clarified that no official move was currently underway to amend the Constitution in a way that would reduce provincial powers.
The debate surfaced after political discussions intensified ahead of Eid ul Adha, with reports suggesting possible constitutional changes. However, Malik stressed that the government had not initiated any formal amendment process. He explained that discussions on national matters, including the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, education reforms, and local government systems, are part of routine political dialogue and should not automatically be linked to undoing the 18th Amendment.
The 18th Amendment, introduced during the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government in 2010, transferred significant powers from the federal government to provinces. Important sectors such as health, social welfare, women’s development, and local government were decentralized under this constitutional reform. Over the years, the amendment has remained a sensitive political issue, with PPP repeatedly opposing any proposal aimed at reducing provincial autonomy.
During the same programme, PPP leader Agha Rafiullah warned that any attempt to weaken the amendment could trigger political instability across the country. He emphasized that constitutional reforms should only move forward through broad political consensus rather than pressure or political bargaining. According to him, reversing the amendment would create unrest and damage democratic stability.
Meanwhile, PTI Senator Barrister Ali Zafar also commented on the matter, saying that rolling back the amendment would be politically harmful for PPP. He argued that although political parties often engage in public disagreements, the PPP would likely avoid supporting any measure that could damage its own political position.
The ongoing debate highlights the continued importance of the 18th Amendment in Pakistan’s political and constitutional structure.
