Bilawal endorses the modification of Article 243 and opposes the abolition of dual citizenship.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), stated that the party will endorse the proposed modification to Article 243 of the Constitution, but will oppose sections intended to abolish dual citizenship or those related to the Election Commissioner and Executive Magistrates.

After the Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting at Bilawal House in Karachi, Bilawal informed the media that the PPP has unequivocally resolved to support the revision to Article 243. He stated that if the move had endangered civilian dominance or democracy, he would have opposed it; however, because it does not include such implications, the party will support it.

He stated that subsequent to the government’s post-war decisions, Pakistan has garnered international recognition, and the amendment now offers constitutional and legal protection to those judgments. Consequently, the PPP has opted to endorse it publicly.

Bilawal stated that the party had achieved consensus on subjects like the National Finance Commission (NFC) and other constitutional issues. He stated that the PPP was prepared to collaborate with other political parties to establish consensus when required.

He noted that the notion of constitutional courts was initially proposed by the PPP and referenced in the Charter of Democracy. He asserted that although constitutional courts should be formed, other aspects of the Charter must also be executed in accordance with its intent.

Bilawal elucidated that, according to the existing Constitution, the President of Pakistan appoints judges in conjunction with the Chief Justice. Nevertheless, the proposed change would transfer this obligation to a legislative committee.

He suggested that both chief justices – from the transferring and receiving courts – be incorporated as members of this body to guarantee transparency and accountability in judicial transfers.

The PPP chairman reiterated that the party had not achieved consensus on ideas concerning the elimination of dual citizenship, modifications pertaining to the Election Commissioner, and the appointment of Executive Magistrates, explicitly stating that the PPP would not endorse those particular revisions.