Staff Correspondent:

National Consensus Commission Vice Chair Prof Ali Riaz on Monday urged political parties to maintain their cooperation and reach decisions on key unresolved reform issues within the next 10 days, aiming to finalise the National Charter by the end of this month.

“We must take decisions within the next 10 days. Where consensus is possible, we will move forward together; where there are differences, they will remain  there (for discussions),” he said while presiding over the 16th day of the second-round dialogue between the Commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Prof Riaz said the Commission placed the issues (some 20 key reform issues) that are critical to restructuring the state. “We are not trying to impose anything by force, but we do have our position about reforming the State structure,” he said.

So far, political consensus has been reached on eight issues (out of 19 ones), Prof Riaz said, adding that some issues are still pending for discussion and one or two more days may be kept to discuss these issues.

“But we cannot move forward without taking decisions on certain key matters,” he said.

The main agenda of Monday’s session is whether the Prime Minister should be allowed to hold multiple posts simultaneously, and the fundamental principles of the state.

“On the matters (Monday’s agenda) discussed so far, we must now decide—whether you agree or not. From the beginning, we kept the option of note of dissent open. If any party disagrees, that will be recorded in the National Charter along with your explanation,” he said, adding that these issues cannot be discussed for a long time.

About the establishment of a bicameral legislature,the vice chair said the Commission hopes to reach a conclusion by tomorrow or the day after based on feedback from the political parties.

Regarding the revised and integrated proposal on the caretaker government system, he said most political parties have expressed their support. Some parties may have suggestions on certain matters of the proposed system. “We requested you (political parties) to send their suggestions to us by today so that we can table them tomorrow for a final decision,” he added.

Noting that only 10 days to resolve the unsettled issues, Prof Riaz said, “We must reach a decision within the 10 days and prepare the National Charter. If you continue your cooperation, we’ll be able to do so.”