ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, delivered a comprehensive address to the National Assembly on Tuesday, calling for national unity against terrorism while defending the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment and reaffirming his party's commitment to provincial autonomy and democratic consensus.

Speaking before the National Assembly, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned recent terror attacks across Pakistan and called upon all political forces to unite against terrorist threats regardless of their position in government or opposition. He reminded the House that Pakistan's military, politicians, civil society, and citizens had previously defeated terrorists and achieved what even NATO forces could not accomplish in Afghanistan. The PPP chairman expressed confidence that Pakistan would once again emerge victorious in combating terrorism.

Addressing the legislative process, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized that his party has consistently worked toward building consensus on major constitutional matters. He cited the 1973 Constitution and the 18th Amendment as examples of legislation passed through broad political agreement, noting that the same spirit guided the passage of the 26th Amendment. The chairman revealed that during the 26th Amendment consultations, the PPP had engaged with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who subsequently brought the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Sunni Ittehad Council into the discussion process. He clarified that despite PTI not voting for the amendment, the party was part of legislative consultations on constitutional benches, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman cast his vote with PTI's consent.

The PPP chairman described the 27th Amendment as an effort to fulfill promises outlined in the Charter of Democracy, particularly regarding the establishment of a Constitutional Court. Following Pakistan's recent military victory over India, the amendment also seeks to provide constitutional protection to the rank of Field Marshal through Article 243. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari explained that certain constitutional changes relating to defense institutions are being introduced, stressing that the true strength of any legislation lies not in the majority that passes it but in the depth of political consensus behind it.

Reflecting on Pakistan's constitutional history, he stated that the 1973 Constitution remains the nation's undisputed and unanimous founding document because it was supported by all political parties under the leadership of Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Similarly, when the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz came to power after defeating dictatorship, they passed the 18th Amendment, which brought fundamental democratic reforms and provincial autonomy. The chairman expressed regret that the current amendment does not carry the same level of consensus as previous landmark constitutional legislation.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari revealed that the government had approached him regarding the proposed amendment, which includes reforms concerning defense structure and judicial matters. He placed the matter before the PPP Central Executive Committee, which decided to support the government in completing the mission envisioned in the Charter of Democracy. The chairman noted that Pakistan's armed forces and Field Marshal are being commended globally for inflicting a historic defeat on the Modi government by downing six Indian aircraft. He emphasized that the PPP decided to support government recommendations regarding Article 243 while criticizing opposition parties for failing to participate constructively in parliamentary committees.

Regarding the establishment of Constitutional Courts, the PPP chairman praised the government for accepting his party's demand to ensure equal representation of all provinces in the newly formed courts. He described this as a historic milestone, noting that for the first time, every province would have equal representation in constitutional courts, which would strengthen the federation. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recalled that when Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was judicially murdered, the bench lacked equal provincial representation, a constitutional flaw whose consequences Pakistan continues to suffer. He urged political leaders advocating for provincial equality to recognize and appreciate this achievement.

The chairman also addressed judicial reforms, stating that after the tenure of former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, all political parties including the PPP and PML-N suffered from unchecked use of suo motu powers. He criticized instances where courts set prices for commodities, made decisions about dam construction, and disrespected elected representatives. The amendment will eliminate suo motu powers, removing what he described as the Sword of Damocles that courts have long held over prime ministers and governments.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized that several points from the Charter of Democracy still need implementation to overcome current national crises. He stressed the need for Truth and Reconciliation and adopting an approach that recognizes Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens and political leaders. The chairman underscored the importance of ending political polarization and establishing coexistence, stating that the country cannot be governed properly as long as politicians fail to respect one another and Parliament. He invited the opposition to maintain consistent dialogue so that prevailing deadlock can be resolved through democratic means.

On provincial rights, the PPP chairman revealed that in its initial draft, the government had proposed removing constitutional protections granted to provincial governments under the National Finance Commission Award. The PPP firmly rejected this proposal, with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stating he would never support taking back constitutional protections given to provinces. He argued that provincial revenue collections have consistently outperformed federal collections since certain taxes were devolved to provinces, and that Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan should not be penalized for shortcomings of the Federal Board of Revenue or other federal financial institutions.

The chairman also disclosed that the government had proposed reversing the devolution of Education and Population departments, powers transferred under the 18th Amendment that helped diminish separatist politics. He warned that at a time when conspiracies are being hatched against Pakistan from across its borders, the government must avoid actions that would revive separatist elements. This is why the PPP remains unwilling to reverse devolution or compromise protections guaranteed under the NFC Award.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari shared that the PPP proposed a balanced mechanism for judicial transfers, allowing the Judicial Commission to seek input from concerned judges, which the government accepted. He expressed gratitude that the government also withdrew its proposal for forcibly retiring judges. The chairman reaffirmed that strengthening local governments remains a core PPP philosophy, noting that Sindh's initiatives in empowering local bodies have surpassed those of any other province.

Regarding South Punjab, the chairman said his party would be pleased to build upon existing consensus on the matter. He also assured the Prime Minister that the PPP would seek a democratic solution to break the deadlock over appointments in the Election Commission of Pakistan. In conclusion, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized that political parties are the true strength of both government and Parliament, stressing that no legislation should come as a surprise but must be thoroughly deliberated through dialogue and consensus.