Overview
- Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, after Thursday’s PPP parliamentary meeting, said the government has not opened talks on any 28th Amendment and warned no constitutional change or budget can pass without his party.
- State Minister for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik said Thursday there is no formal amendment in process and called claims of rolling back the 2010 devolution under the 18th Amendment false.
- Reporting on the talks points to proposals to give local governments firmer constitutional powers, revisit the National Finance Commission revenue-sharing formula, and define a stronger federal coordinating role in services, with no new provinces under consideration.
- Party positioning has MQM-P pushing hard for constitutional protection of local bodies, while sources say Sindh-focused development or fiscal incentives may be offered in the budget to secure PPP support.
- Political sources say the government is eyeing May 21 for a possible introduction if partners agree, a high bar that requires two-thirds support in both houses and could shape how schools, clinics, and city services are run.