Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar firmly dismissed speculation about a potential 27th Constitutional Amendment during his official visit to the United Kingdom on Monday, emphasizing Pakistan’s current political stability and economic progress.
Speaking to journalists in London, Dar stated that Pakistan requires no additional constitutional modifications at this time. “We are still processing the implications of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, making a 27th unnecessary at present,” he explained. “The nation is functioning effectively with growing stability and economic improvements.”
Economic Recovery and Growth Targets
The foreign minister outlined Pakistan’s ambitious economic objectives, highlighting the government’s concentrated efforts on GDP expansion and national development under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration.
Dar referenced Pakistan’s previous economic standing, noting that under former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s tenure in 2017, the country ranked as the world’s 24th largest economy. The current government aims to restore Pakistan to that economic position while preparing for potential G20 membership.
Constitutional Amendment Context
These statements address ongoing discussions in legal communities regarding a possible 27th amendment, which some suggested could address unresolved issues from the 26th amendment, particularly concerning the establishment of a dedicated constitutional court.
While the Islamabad High Court Bar Association had previously endorsed the concept of additional constitutional changes, Dar’s comments indicate no immediate government plans to pursue such measures.
Diplomatic Engagements in London
During his UK visit, Dar conducted extensive meetings with British parliamentarians of Pakistani heritage, including MPs Mohammad Yasin, Tahir Ali, Imran Hussain, Ayoub Khan, and Adnan Hussain.
The discussions centered on the enduring historical and cultural connections between Pakistan and Britain, reinforced by the substantial Pakistani diaspora in the UK. Dar emphasized how British Pakistanis serve as vital connectors between Islamabad and London, facilitating enhanced bilateral parliamentary cooperation and democratic experience sharing.
The deputy prime minister commended these lawmakers for their advocacy regarding human rights concerns in occupied Kashmir and their efforts to raise awareness about the issue within British political circles.
High-Level Bilateral Meetings
Dar’s diplomatic agenda included a significant meeting with UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Hamish Falconer at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Their discussions encompassed bilateral relations, economic cooperation, climate collaboration, and regional and international developments.
The deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to economic reforms while emphasizing the importance of achieving a just and peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Digital Services Launch
Dar inaugurated two innovative services at Pakistan’s High Commission in London, designed to better serve the Pakistani diaspora. The new initiatives include a Land Record Services system and a streamlined One Window Passport Processing System.
The land records service, developed in partnership with the Punjab Land Revenue Authority, enables British Pakistanis to remotely access property records and documentation from Punjab. The system utilizes blockchain technology to ensure transparency and security in transactions.
The enhanced passport processing system consolidates documentation procedures at a single service point, dramatically reducing processing time to approximately 10 minutes per application, significantly improving efficiency for Pakistani citizens in the UK.
These technological improvements represent Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing consular services and maintaining strong connections with its overseas communities.
