Govt refutes claims interim cabinet to remain 6 months if ‘Yes’ wins referendum

The government dismissed social media claims that a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming February 12 referendum would extend the interim cabinet’s tenure by six months, calling such reports baseless.

A statement posted on the verified Facebook page of the Prime Minister’s Press Wing FACTS on Thursday (January 29) clarified that misleading posts circulating ahead of the referendum, including an image from Independent Television, misrepresented remarks about the post-referendum parliamentary process.

The statement cited Professor Ali Riaz, vice-chair of the National Consensus Commission, who said the claim was incorrect. “The parliament will function normally from the first day after elections—forming the government, managing state affairs, and passing the budget. Constitutional reforms will be undertaken separately by the elected members and completed within 180 working days,” he explained.

The government stressed that Professor Riaz did not suggest the current interim cabinet would hold power for 180 days. The 180-day period refers only to the Constitutional Reform Council’s process to be carried out by newly elected representatives if the referendum passes.

Under the July National Code (Constitutional Reform) Order, 2025, a ‘Yes’ outcome establishes a dual role for parliamentarians—as both MPs and members of the Constitutional Reform Council—until the reform process concludes. After that, MPs will resume their regular parliamentary duties.

The statement reaffirmed that the interim government’s tenure will not be extended under any provision; the 180-day period applies solely to the constitutional reform process.