Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah firmly denied reports of a 28th constitutional amendment on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters after Eid prayers in Sehwan, he stated no legislation was possible without Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) consent.
“No discussions or drafts have been presented within the party,” said Shah. “No division of the province or city has been discussed, nor any revisions to the National Finance Commission award.”
Shah emphasized that no draft had been shared with the PPP and that only the media was speculating on this matter.
Regarding the upcoming provincial budget, he stated it would be challenging due to inflation linked to the Iran-US-Israel conflict. The Sindh budget would be “people-friendly,” and any salary increase decisions would be made in consultation with the federal government.
The debate intensified when Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah suggested the government might raise the voting age during discussions on the proposed amendment. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar dismissed speculations, stating there were currently no signs of the 28th amendment and any move towards constitutional changes would proceed after consultation with coalition partners.
Information Minister Atta Tarar later dismissed rumors about raising the minimum voting age to 25, saying there was no need to respond to unverified claims. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also denied being consulted on proposed constitutional changes, signaling fresh tensions within the ruling coalition over legislative matters and the upcoming budget.
Bilawal emphasized that his party had not been contacted by the government regarding any new constitutional amendment, adding that without PPP support, constitutional amendments and passage of the budget would not be possible.