Emergency meeting called to address uncertainty over signing of ‘July Charter’

The National Consensus Commission remains hopeful that all parties will sign the document as planned on Friday (October 17) despite political differences over the implementation of the ‘July National Charter’.

To resolve the impasse, the commission has called an “emergency meeting” with political parties at 6pm on Wednesday (October 15), which will be broadcast live on BTV News.

Commission Vice President Professor Ali Riaz said, “The meeting will determine whether parties will sign the charter and may revisit implementation mechanisms if needed. We are optimistic that the issues will be settled and the signing will take place on Friday.”

The charter, based on 84 reform proposals from six reform commissions, was circulated to political parties on Tuesday night (October 14). Yet, consensus on the method of implementation remains elusive. The commission’s separate recommendation on the process is also pending.

According to Ali Riaz, while parties agree on holding a referendum to implement the charter, they remain divided on the timing and process. Some parties have sought assurances on the implementation framework before signing.

Sources said the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has conditioned its signature on advancing reforms through a constitutional order, while also favouring renewed discussions on constitutional reforms.

Meanwhile, the BNP’s proposal to include an additional clause in the charter’s pledge section was rejected, leaving its participation uncertain.

The Jamaat-e-Islami and several left-leaning parties are also reportedly hesitant to sign, citing the absence of a clear implementation roadmap.