Slow Implementation of July Charter Hindering Democratic State-Building: Ali Riaz

Dr Ali Riaz, former vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has said delays in implementing the July National Charter and reluctance on the part of the ruling party are obstructing efforts to establish a democratic state.

In a recent media interview, Riaz said citizens had voted in favour of state reforms in the referendum. He argued that a democratic state cannot be established by disregarding that verdict or sidestepping the commitments made in the July National Charter.

According to Riaz, meaningful reform requires comprehensive structural changes rather than fragmented amendments to different parts of the Constitution. He described the July National Charter as more than an agreement among political parties, saying it represents a commitment to building an accountable and democratic state that protects citizens’ rights.

He said years of political experience had failed to ensure the independence of constitutional institutions, the autonomy of the judiciary and a proper balance of power. The state reform initiative was launched to address these longstanding shortcomings.

Describing the lack of expected progress one year after the charter was signed as disappointing, Riaz warned that the current process could leave reforms incomplete and create legal complications. He said piecemeal constitutional amendments would not deliver the desired changes and called for the reform process to be treated as a comprehensive package.

Riaz said public approval through the referendum had provided important legitimacy for state reform. Citizens had voted both to form a government and to support reforms, he noted, arguing that accepting one part of the verdict while ignoring the other was unacceptable.

He added that political parties that signed the July National Charter had a moral responsibility to fulfil their commitments. Respecting the people’s will, he said, is essential to paving the way for a democratic state.