Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari has reiterated his party’s firm stance on provincial autonomy, asserting that it must remain free from any form of interference. His remarks come amid ongoing political discussions regarding the proposed 28th Amendment to the constitution.
Political Distance Maintained Despite Budget Support
Speaking on Sunday, Bukhari acknowledged the PPP’s support for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) government during the budget formulation process. However, he was quick to draw a clear distinction between the two parties’ political identities. “The politics of the PPP and PMLN remain separate,” Bukhari stated, adding that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s recent statements were made with an understanding of ground realities.
“PPP is a democratic party and considers it a responsibility to highlight public issues,” Bukhari emphasized, underlining the party’s commitment to addressing citizen concerns.
28th Amendment Remains Undefined
Commenting on the proposed 28th Amendment, Bukhari noted that no concrete details have been presented publicly. “Nothing has been presented in black and white so far,” he said. The PPP leader linked the amendment to the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, explaining that provinces had previously resolved financial matters among themselves and had even provided funds to the federation from their own resources.
Bukhari stressed that the core issue revolves around ensuring provincial rights and financial autonomy, which he argued should not be compromised under any new constitutional arrangement.
Local Government Elections and Karachi Politics
Turning to local governance, Bukhari that the public’s rights must be delivered through local elections. He defended the PPP’s performance in Karachi, stating, “PPP won the local government elections with public support.” He pointed out that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) did even participate in the polls, while the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) would have only a legitimate claim to the mayorship if the people had voted for them.
>Bukhari urged both the MQM and JI to exercise patience and allow the local government system to effectively in Karachi, the country’s largest city and economic hub.
