The National Consensus Commission is considering a special constitutional order or a referendum to implement the July 2025 National Charter’s reform proposals.

Four options to implement the July Charter were mainly discussed in the talks between the Consensus Commission and political parties, held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Six types of proposals were earlier received from all the political parties and alliances on how to implement the Charter.

These include holding a referendum on the whole or part of the Charter; execution through a special constitutional order by the President; formation of a constituent assembly through elections; implementation by members of the upcoming 13th Parliament; transforming Parliament into a constitutional reform assembly; and seeking an opinion from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court under Article 106 of the Constitution if the interim government has authority to implement it (the entire charter).

NCC assesses various opinions to implement July Charter

Later, the expert panel formed by the NCC examined these options and suggested four possible ways for implementation: issuing ordinances, executive orders, referendum and special constitutional order.

reporters after the talks on Thursday afternoon, NCC Vice Chair Prof Ali Riaz said the proposals were placed in writing before the political parties so that they can know each other’s opinions over the implementation of the charter.
“We have given the issues we have received from all political parties to all political parties so that they can see how others are talking about this solution,” he said.

During Thursday's discussion, all political parties reached consensus on two issues. First, some recommendations that are not related to the Constitution can be implemented by the interim government through ordinances. Second, such other recommendations can be implemented through executive orders or rules to be issued by the government and relevant authorities, he said.

Prof Riaz said the government has already issued some ordinances and executive orders and implemented such recommendations.

NCC explores implementation options for July Charter

“The government and the concerned authorities have already started implementing some of these issues through appropriate steps. So, we can see that there is no difference of opinion among the political parties and alliances regarding the speedy implementation of all issues that are not related to the constitution by this government. There is a clear consensus,” he said.

The question is what should be the way that can be taken to implement the consensus on constitutional issues. We hope that progress can be made on this issue and that the political parties can come closer (to find a solution). With that in mind, we will meet with the political parties again on Sunday,” he said.

Noting that the draft of the Charter was earlier shared with the political parties in two rounds, Prof Riaz said the NCC would send the final version of the Charter to all political parties on Thursday.

“Political parties have now been requested to send by September 13 the names of two representatives who will sign the Charter on behalf of their parties,” he said.