Ali Riaz for reaching consensus on basic reform issues by July 31

National Consensus Commission Vice Chair Prof Ali Riaz on Sunday said a consensus must be reached on fundamental issues at best by July 31 aiming to formulate a national charter.

“We are trying to reach a logical point by the end of July, by any means,” he said while speaking on the 12th day of the second-round reform dialogue with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

“A national charter must be formulated through consensus on some fundamental issues. Our target is to finalise this by July 30. At most, we may extend to July 31,” Prof Riaz said.

He added that the formation of the national charter will be a step towards fulfilling the responsibility to the martyrs of the July-August movement.

A number of important issues, including the declaration of state of emergency and the appointment of Chief Justice are scheduled to be discussed in Sunday's dialogue.

Some 30 political parties are taking part in the talks to present their respective positions on the proposed reforms.

Following the talks, the National Consensus Commission is expected to finalise and announce the National Charter, a reform roadmap.

On June 2, Chief Adviser and Commission Chairman Prof Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the second round of dialogues.

Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, the Commission was tasked with forging a unified national stance on crucial state reforms.

The Commission launched its first round of talks on March 20, engaging with 33 political parties and alliances before concluding the round on May 19.