KARACHI: The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Thursday gathered constitutional experts, journalists, civil and human rights activists, who agreed after discussions that any move to place Karachi under federal control, reduce provincial shares under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award or amend the 18th Constitutional Amendment would undermine the spirit of the Constitution. Speaking at a seminar organised by the party’s Sindh chapter at the Arts Council, they argued that strengthening provinces is essential for a stable federation and cautioned that any effort to roll back hard-won constitutional protections for the provinces could trigger a broader debate on subsequent constitutional amendments and the future balance of power between the Centre and the provinces. In his keynote address, PPP leader and former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani warned that the proposal to detach Karachi from Sindh or place it under federal administration would require constitutional changes which would need a two-thirds parliamentary majority. Insist strengthening provinces essential for a stable federation; questions raised at seminar over party’s continued support for all constitutional amendments “Karachi was, is and will remain the capital of Sindh. Anyone seeking to separate Karachi from Sindh must first secure the constitutional numbers required for such a move,” he said. He argued that discussions about federal control of Karachi were effectively part of a broader debate over rolling back the 18th Amendment. “If the 18th Amendment is reversed, serious questions about the future of the federation will arise,” he said. He criticised the federal government for failing to convene regular meetings of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and for not announcing a new NFC Award despite constitutional requirements. “Under the Constitution, the provincial share in the NFC Award can increase, but it cannot be reduced. Any attempt to shift the financial burden to provinces without corresponding fiscal authority would amount to undermining the constitutional framework,” he added. Addressing the gathering, PPP Sindh president Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said the federation has no constitutional authority to take over the administrative control of any city. He argued that while the federal government could issue directions to provinces regarding implementation of federal laws, it could not assume direct control of Karachi. “The 18th Amendment has been passed with the consensus of all political forces and has become an integral part of the Constitution. Those who are unhappy with it are essentially objecting to the enhanced constitutional and financial rights granted to the provinces,” he said. He said that if the federal government expected provinces to shoulder additional fiscal responsibilities, it should also transfer greater taxation powers to them. Referring to debates about Karachi’s status, he said those advocating federal control of the city should first demand the same for Rawalpindi. Khuhro also reiterated the PPP’s opposition to any attempt to reverse provincial autonomy, saying that Sindh has always resisted measures that undermine provincial rights and will continue to do so. PPP’s role questioned Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas, however, while supporting Constitutional cover for strong provinces, questioned the role of the ruling PPP, saying that the party on one hand warns against any unconstitutional action but on the other “supports every measure that weakens the Constitution”. He questioned the PPP’s stance, noting that the party had been part of constitutional amendments that violated the spirit of the Constitution, yet continued to complain about attacks on provincial autonomy. “My concern is that if Karachi ends up being placed under federal control, then why is the PPP part of the federal system? Why is the PPP supporting the federal government? What kind of compromise is this?” he questioned. He said that the PPP is holding a seminar in Karachi and expressing fears that Sindh is being pushed towards a one unit-style arrangement, that the 18th Amendment is being rolled back and that cuts are being made to the NFC award. Despite all that, he added, it is beyond comprehension why the party continues to support the federal government. “This suggests that you, too, are facilitating the federal government’s agenda. By supporting and passing the 26th and 27th Amendments, you have weakened democracy,” he said. Senator Barrister Zameer Ghumro said provincial rights were clearly protected under both the 1973 Constitution and the 18th Amendment. He defended devolution as a cornerstone of democratic governance and argued that criticism of local government structures should not become a pretext for weakening provincial authority. “Strong local governments and strong provinces are not contradictory concepts. The real issue is whether constitutional powers remain where the Constitution has placed them,” he added. Writer Noor-ul-Huda Shah said Karachi was being used as a political tool in wider disputes between the federation and the provinces. She said that Sindh does not need to prove its commitment to the federation and that the province has historically played a central role in the country’s political development. Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026