NN Online:
The National Consensus Commission (NCC) is set to finalize several crucial reform proposals by Thursday and will inform political parties accordingly, said NCC Vice Chair Professor Ali Riaz on Wednesday.
“At this stage, decision-making is the most critical part of our responsibility. We are working with urgency and expect to brief political parties on the outcomes by tomorrow,” Prof Riaz stated during the second phase of NCC’s ongoing dialogue with political parties.
Wednesday’s discussions focused on major constitutional and institutional reform issues. These included redefining the powers and duties of the President, reforming the presidential election process, structure and election of an upper legislative chamber, enhancing women’s representation in Parliament, expanding citizens’ fundamental rights, revisiting state principles, and reforming appointment processes for constitutional bodies like the Public Service Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, and the Ombudsman.
Prof Riaz noted that substantial progress had been made regarding women’s representation in Parliament, with a draft proposal already shared with participating parties.
He also said the NCC shared a separate proposal on the expansion of fundamental rights. “All parties have agreed in principle, though opinions vary on how the proposed changes should be incorporated into the Constitution,” he added.
A list of issues with established consensus will be shared by the end of the day, Prof Riaz confirmed. “We hope to present a comprehensive and broadly acceptable draft charter to all parties by tomorrow,” he concluded.
