Islamabad, November 2: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Senator Rana Sanaullah, has said that there is a growing need to strike a balance between the financial and administrative powers of the federation and the provinces as defined under the 18th Constitutional Amendment. Speaking on Geo News morning show Geo Pakistan, he emphasized that while the Constitution is a sacred document, it is not immutable and can be improved through legitimate amendments to strengthen governance and national unity.
Need for a Balanced Resource Distribution
Rana Sanaullah stated that the 18th Amendment, passed in 2010, had played a major role in empowering provinces and decentralizing authority; however, over time, some structural and fiscal imbalances have emerged that warrant rational review. “The resources and responsibilities distributed between the provinces and the federation must be balanced. The idea is not to take away anyone’s powers, but to ensure that both levels of government can function effectively for the people,” he explained.
He stressed that Pakistan’s federal system thrives on cooperation, and the federation must retain enough financial capacity to handle national challenges like defense, debt servicing, and natural disasters, while the provinces should continue to enjoy autonomy in key sectors like health, education, and local governance.
Constitution is Sacred but Not Beyond Improvement
Clarifying his stance, Rana Sanaullah noted that no constitution is ever considered final or beyond improvement. “The Constitution is indeed a sacred document, but it is not the last word. Amendments are introduced in every democratic country to address evolving challenges,” he said.
He pointed out that Pakistan’s Constitution has undergone 26 amendments since 1973, each reflecting political consensus and the country’s changing needs. “If two-thirds of Parliament agrees, the Constitution allows room for improvement. Discussion on possible amendments is part of democratic evolution, not a threat to it,” he added.
No Immediate Move for 27th Amendment
Addressing speculation regarding the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, the senior PML-N leader clarified that there is no immediate plan to introduce such a bill. “It’s not as if we are bringing the 27th Amendment tomorrow morning,” he remarked.
He explained that positive discussions and debates on constitutional, administrative, and fiscal matters are the essence of democracy. “Healthy dialogue must continue. Parliamentary debate ensures that reforms are grounded in consensus, not conflict,” he said.
According to Rana Sanaullah, various parliamentary groups and political parties are in conversation about long-standing governance and fiscal issues. “Different things are being discussed between parliamentarians and parties. Core national issues take time to mature; such matters evolve through dialogue, not haste,” he said.
Context: The Debate Around the 18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment to the Constitution, enacted in April 2010, was one of the most significant legislative reforms in Pakistan’s history. It restored parliamentary sovereignty, removed undemocratic powers previously held by the presidency, and transferred key responsibilities — such as health, education, and local development — from the federal government to the provinces.
While it has been hailed as a victory for provincial autonomy, critics argue that the federal government’s financial capacity has since weakened. Islamabad continues to shoulder heavy national expenditures while retaining a smaller share of revenue under the NFC Award, leading to calls for revisiting the fiscal framework.
Rana Sanaullah’s comments appear to echo this concern, suggesting that a review does not mean a rollback of provincial autonomy but rather an effort to ensure sustainable governance and fiscal stability.
Balancing Autonomy and National Unity
Rana Sanaullah reiterated that no one is seeking to undo the devolution process established by the 18th Amendment. “There should be a balance where both the federation and the provinces can perform their constitutional roles effectively. The goal is harmony, not hierarchy,” he asserted.
He maintained that any changes to the Constitution must come through dialogue, consensus, and within the bounds of law. “Constitutional reform is not an act of confrontation; it is a process of refinement. Democracy is strengthened when institutions talk to each other,” he said.
PPP’s Contrasting Viewpoint
The statement from Rana Sanaullah comes shortly after PPP leader Shazia Marri categorically rejected any suggestion of modifying the 18th Amendment, declaring it a “red line” for provinces. Marri stated that the Eighteenth Amendment is deeply cherished by the provinces and symbolizes provincial empowerment and federal trust.
This contrast between the PML-N’s call for balance and the PPP’s insistence on preserving the amendment intact highlights an emerging policy debate within the coalition government about the structure of fiscal federalism in Pakistan.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political observers note that such discussions are not new; successive governments have faced challenges in maintaining an effective fiscal relationship between the federation and provinces. Analysts believe a re-examination of administrative responsibilities and revenue sharing could strengthen the federation, provided it is done through consensus.
Experts also argue that revisiting the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award may be a more practical approach than constitutional amendments. Adjusting the revenue-sharing formula to reflect current economic realities could help the federation manage national obligations without undermining provincial autonomy.
