Consensus Commission sends letter to 34 political parties with 166 recommendations

The National Consensus Commission has sent a letter to 34 political parties with 166 recommendations and full reports from six reform commissions. The letter asks the parties to express their views by March 13. Based on their views, discussions on reforms will begin. After that, a national charter will be prepared.

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Dr Ali Riaz gave this information at a press conference at the National Parliament Building on Monday.

He said that discussions with the political parties will begin from the time the party's views are received. Hopefully, the political parties will express their views by March 13. If they have any questions in this regard, they can contact the commission. The commission is always ready in this regard.

Stating that the 166 recommendations of the Reform Commission have been sent to the political parties, he said that among the recommendations, 70 are related to constitutional reform, 27 to electoral reform, 23 to the judiciary, 26 to public administration and 20 to the Anti-Corruption Commission have been sent to 34 political parties. However, the Police Reform Commission believes that its recommendations can be implemented through administrative mechanisms.

Dr Ali Riaz said that opinions have been sought on two issues for each recommendation. The first is whether or not you agree with the relevant recommendation. Three options have been provided. They are - 'agree', 'disagree' and 'partially agree'. You have been requested to express your opinion by ticking any one of these three options.

In addition, opinions have been sought on the duration of the reform and the means of implementation for each recommendation, he said, adding that there are six options in this case. They are 'through ordinance before the election', 'through referendum before the election', 'through referendum during the election', 'through the National Assembly', 'through constitutional reform after the election' and 'through the parliament elected as the National Assembly and the legislature'. It has been asked to give its opinion by ticking any one of these boxes. Apart from this, a space has also been kept next to each recommendation for the parties to give 'comments'.

At this time, arrangements will be made to know the opinions of the citizens on the important recommendations along with the political parties, Dr Ali Riaz also said.