ISLAMABAD: Leader of the House in the Senate, Ishaq Dar categorically refuted claims of scrapping the 18th Amendment from the Constitution.
Addressing on the floor of the upper house of the Parliament, former finance minister underscored the pivotal role played by the amendment in restoring the Constitution after periods of dictatorship, recalling his collaboration with PPP leader Raza Rabbani in its formulation.
Dar clarified that the current issue revolves around financial concerns related to the 2009 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award rather than the 18th Amendment itself. He pointed out the provinces’ failure to fulfill their responsibilities under the NFC Award, particularly highlighting the dire situation in Balochistan with over 350 schools closed due to a shortage of teachers.
Referencing the Charter of Democracy from May 13, 2006, Dar noted its agenda to reinstate the 1973 Constitution and the commitment of various political parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-N and the Pakistan Peoples’ Party. The constitutional reforms were aimed at rectifying distortions in the constitution.
Dar concluded by emphasizing the pressing challenges in healthcare, education, and overall population well-being for Pakistan. He urged the provinces to take tangible actions, redirecting the focus from the age-old debate on the 18th Amendment to ensuring effective utilization of human resources for development.
