Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission Professor Ali Riaz has informed that significant progress has been made among political parties regarding the implementation process of the July National Charter 2025, and a consensus has been reached among the parties on holding a referendum.
Speaking after the commission’s fourth round of dialogue on Sunday, he said, “Ensuring public participation is essential for implementing the July National Charter. All political parties have agreed on holding a referendum to secure their consent. We see this as the first major step in the implementation process.”
He informed that after three meetings held earlier on 11, 14, and 17 September, some time was given to the parties for mutual discussions. Following that period, a unified position has been reached among the parties on the referendum and constitutional reforms in today’s meeting.
A proposal has also come from the Commission regarding the structure of the new legislature to be formed after the parliamentary election. Ali Riaz said, “The legislature that will be formed through the February election must be endowed with features that allow for the easy completion of the proposed constitutional amendments based on the July Charter. Political parties are also practically in agreement on this matter.”
He further informed that while a section of the parties had previously suggested seeking the Supreme Court’s opinion through Article 106 of the Constitution, most parties now believe it may no longer be necessary.
Remembering with gratitude the “tolerance” of the political parties and their “courage to change their stance”, he said, “They have moved away from their party positions and played a role in building national unity. This is a major progress in the implementation of the July Charter.”
He also stated that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus was informed about the Commission’s progress earlier in the day. The chief adviser has urged for finalising the recommendations swiftly.
Ali Riaz informed that the Commission is hopeful of finalising and submitting the recommendations to the government by 15 October. In the meantime, the names of representatives for signing the Charter have been received by the Commission from three-fourths of the 30 parties involved in the discussions.
He confirmed that another meeting with the political parties and alliances will be held on the afternoon of the 8th. Additionally, there is a plan to hold separate meetings with the Commission’s expert panel to clarify the legal and constitutional framework.
