18th Constitutional Amendment

The World Bank acknowledges Pakistan's 'meaningful' progress in fiscal federalism since 2010 but highlights deviations from international norms, including incomplete expenditure assignments, fragmented tax systems, and flawed federal-provincial transfer arrangements. The report criticizes the 18th Constitutional Amendment for complicating tax jurisdictions and notes that local governments remain fiscally dependent and institutionally unstable.

PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bokhari emphasized provincial autonomy must remain free from interference and stated there is no concrete information on a proposed 28th constitutional amendment. The amendment could potentially undermine financial autonomy and powers devolved to provinces under the 2010 18th Constitutional Amendment, which expanded provincial control over areas like health and local government.

PPP leaders oppose proposals to place Karachi under federal control or amend the 18th Constitutional Amendment, arguing such moves would undermine provincial rights and constitutional stability. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the 18th Amendment's provisions for provincial autonomy and criticized the federal government for failing to meet constitutional obligations regarding financial allocations.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari pledged to secure ownership rights and 18th Constitutional Amendment protections for Gilgit-Baltistan during a campaign rally ahead of June 7 elections. He highlighted legislation converting 28,000 square miles of government land into common land and urged voters to support PPP to maintain these rights.