PESHAWAR: The chairman of Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) has called for broad-based consultation and national debate on the proposed 27th constitutional amendment, stressing that the draft should be made public to ensure transparency and meaningful discussion.

The QWP central chairman, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao in a statement issued from the party’s Watan Kor Secretariat in Peshawar on Thursday, warned that the proposed amendment appeared to undermine provincial autonomy and disturb the balance between federal units.

He expressed serious concern over reports suggesting that the amendment could erode the provinces’ control over their own resources, urging the federal government to inform the nation about the details instead of keeping citizens in the dark.

Sherpao emphasised that strong provinces were essential for a stable federation, adding that national unity could not be achieved without empowering the federating units.

He made it clear that QWP would not compromise on provincial autonomy or the provinces’ financial, administrative, and constitutional rights, pledging to defend them on all available platforms.

He further stated that the 18th Amendment had strengthened the federation, promoted national harmony, and empowered provinces, but the 27th amendment poses the risk of rolling back these constitutional safeguards. Such a move, he warned, would disproportionately harm Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan.

Sherpao reminded the federal government that both provinces had already suffered greatly from terrorism and instability over the past two decades, leading to high levels of unemployment, economic distress and poverty.

Instead of depriving them of resources, he urged Islamabad to increase financial support to address longstanding grievances and ensure equitable development across the country.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2025