Heads of provinces hail 26th Constitutional Amendment as historic milestone

Punjab and Sindh leadership congratulated the nation on Monday following the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment in the parliament with a two-thirds majority, hailing it as a vital step towards strengthening democracy and ensuring the supremacy of parliament.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif extended her congratulations to the nation, stating that the amendment was a clear message that the voice of the people now reigns supreme. 

"The 26th Amendment was essential for the supremacy of parliament. It has restored the full constitutional authority and dignity of the institution," she said. 

Maryam Nawaz added that the amendment would ensure timely justice, which would be seen as well as served, and that it would position Pakistan among the world's exemplary democracies. 

She also welcomed the clause on the elimination of interest (Riba) and said that the amendment had opened a new chapter for positive judicial reforms.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, in his remarks, congratulated Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his leadership in achieving consensus for the passage of the amendment. 

He praised Bilawal for his tireless efforts and noted that the amendment was the fulfilment of a dream cherished by his late grandfather, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and his mother, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. 

"Bilawal has realised the vision of his mother by bringing about judicial reforms, and all political parties that contributed to this milestone deserve appreciation," Murad Ali Shah said. He reiterated that the PPP remains committed to the supremacy of parliament.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti expressed his happiness on the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment on Monday, congratulating Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his tireless efforts in making it possible.

In a statement on social media platform X, Sarfaraz Bugti praised the amendment as a significant victory for democracy. He highlighted that the constitution is a legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accomplished a historic achievement with this latest reform.

"The 26th Amendment is a crucial step towards fair representation, and I commend the collective efforts of political leadership across Pakistan in achieving consensus," the Balochistan Chief Minister said.

Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan also congratulated the nation on the approval of the 26th Amendment. He extended special congratulations to former President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, the PML-N leadership, and all political parties involved. 

"The unanimous approval of the 26th Amendment is a milestone in the country's history," he remarked, adding that parliament had made history today by ensuring constitutional stability and the promotion of democracy.

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon praised Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's hard work and said the 26th Constitutional Amendment aimed to unite the nation and strengthen the federation. 

Sharjeel Memon called on all political forces to unite behind the amendment and urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to set aside divisive politics and support constitutional reforms for the nation's welfare.

He emphasised that the constitutional amendment was an important and positive step towards ensuring provincial representation and empowering democratic institutions, in line with the Charter of Democracy. 

The minister also highlighted that the concept of a constitutional court, aimed at maintaining the balance between the judiciary and legislature, was first envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.