The National Consensus Commission (NCC) will give final recommendations to the government by October 15, based on a five-point suggestion of its expert panel for the implementation of the July National Charter 2025.
The announcement came on Wednesday after the commission concluded its fifth meeting with political parties over the implementation of the July Charter in the capital.
Briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, Commission Vice-Chair Prof Ali Riaz said, “We have reviewed the discussions and are preparing to submit recommendations to the government based on expert opinions.”
He said the experts unanimously proposed five key measures: including promulgation of a special order and holding a referendum to implement the July National Charter.
The same order should be endorsed by the holding of a national referendum.
Other three expert proposals are the referendum should be held on two separate questions – one to reflect consensus and another disagreement; a Constitutional Reform Council and the 13th National Parliament should be formed through election: and after the referendum’s approval, the reforms outlined in the charter must be incorporated into the constitution within a specific timeframe.
Professor Riaz added that political parties also made two proposals—some suggested holding the referendum on the same day as the national election, while others preferred it before the polls.
However, all parties agreed that Parliament should have the authority to make structural changes to the constitution for implementing the July Charter.
“We will finalize and submit our recommendations to the government within a day or two,” Riaz said, adding that all participating parties and alliances will be formally notified.
NCC continues discussions with experts over July Charter implementation
He said the commission’s term will end on October 15, before which it plans to host a signing ceremony for the July Charter.
“More than three-fourths of the parties have already sent their names, and the rest are expected to do so in the coming days,” he added.
A comprehensive report of the Commission will be published between October 18 and 19, summarizing its one-year consultations and detailing the process from drafting the July Charter to proposing the referendum.
“We hope to complete all tasks within the next seven days with everyone’s cooperation,” Prof Riaz said. “If all goes well, we’ll hold the signing ceremony by the 15th.”