By Ata Ur Rahmen 
27th Constitutional Amendment: KP CM Sohail Afridi Vows to Protect Provincial Autonomy and Constitutional Rights
The 27th Constitutional Amendment has become a major political issue in Pakistan, drawing strong criticism from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who has termed it a direct threat to provincial autonomy. Speaking to reporters at Parliament House in Islamabad, Afridi said that the KP government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will resist any attempt to roll back the powers granted to provinces under the 18th Amendment.
Afridi maintained that the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment undermines the federal system and erodes the foundations of Pakistan’s democratic structure. “This is not just a political matter—it is about protecting the Constitution and the rights of every province,” he said. “We will fight for our constitutional position through democratic and legal means.”
Afridi’s Stand Against Power Centralization
The KP chief minister stated that his visit to Islamabad was to attend a parliamentary party meeting and raise KP’s concerns in Parliament. “The 27th Constitutional Amendment is a direct attack on provincial autonomy,” Afridi said. “We will not allow the reversal of the devolution process achieved through the 18th Amendment.”
Afridi stressed that strong provinces are essential for a strong federation and that weakening them will damage national unity. “Every province has the constitutional right to govern itself, and that right must never be compromised,” he added.
Seeking Democratic Rights
Afridi also shared details of his ongoing efforts to meet the PTI founder, explaining that he had obtained permission from the High Court, but the order was not implemented. “Meeting my leader is my constitutional right, and I will continue to pursue it peacefully and lawfully,” he said.
He announced that PTI lawmakers plan to present a resolution in Parliament protesting the denial of his meeting request. Afridi said this move reflects the party’s broader struggle to protect democratic freedoms and uphold constitutional governance in the country.
Commitment to Democracy and the Constitution
Sohail Afridi reiterated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will continue to defend democracy and the rule of law. “We are the guardians of the Constitution,” he stated. “We will not allow anyone to weaken democratic institutions or alter the balance of power established by the 18th Amendment.”
He emphasized that the protection of provincial autonomy is not just a political stance but a constitutional obligation that ensures better governance and equal representation across Pakistan.
KP’s Share in the NFC Award
Addressing economic issues, Afridi highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award stands at 19.4 percent, which must be protected at all costs. He warned that any attempt to reduce KP’s share or alter the NFC formula under the 27th Constitutional Amendment would harm provincial development and increase financial disparity.
“The 18th Amendment was a milestone that guaranteed fiscal and administrative autonomy to the provinces,” Afridi said. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will not compromise on its constitutional and financial rights.”
A Call for Unity and Respect for Federalism
Concluding his remarks, Afridi appealed to all political parties to respect the spirit of the Constitution and work together to protect Pakistan’s federal structure. “Our unity lies in respecting provincial rights, not undermining them,” he said. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will always stand firm in defense of the Constitution and democracy.”
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