Proposal for 180-Day Timeline After New Parliament Formation to Implement July National Charter

 Staff Reporter | PNN:

The National Consensus Commission is considering setting a 180-day timeline for implementing constitutional reforms after the formation of the next parliament to enforce the July National Charter. According to the Commission's recommendations, this timeline could be extended or shortened if necessary.

Sources from the Commission reveal that while political parties agree on the implementation of the charter, they have not yet reached a consensus on issues such as the timing of the referendum, its procedure, and how differing proposals will be included. As a result, the Commission is holding informal discussions with political parties on these three aspects. Separate meetings are being held with BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the NCP.

The July National Charter includes 84 proposals for reforms across six areas. Initially, the Commission considered holding two separate questions for the proposals with differing opinions. However, it now plans to conduct a single vote on the entire charter's implementation, including all proposals, even those with differing opinions.

The BNP believes that the referendum should be held on the same day as the national parliamentary election. According to the Commission's plan, a special order from the President will be issued before the referendum, which will serve as the basis for the vote. Political parties are likely to accept this approach.

Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, mentioned that the final recommendations on the implementation of the July Charter are under preparation. The charter will be effective on October 17, during the signing ceremony, and before that, the Commission will submit its recommendations to the government.