National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Dr Ali Riaz has said that it is possible to confront fascism through consensus-based unity despite differences among political parties.

He made the remarks on Wednesday evening at the beginning of an emergency meeting with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus was also present at the meeting.

Overcoming all obstacles, we hope to sign the National July Charter on Friday as a reflection of the unity among political parties. Arrangements have been made so that representatives of all parties can sign it within a short time,” Dr Riaz said.

Mentioning that there had been some confusion and misinformation since yesterday, he added, “Leaders of several political parties and journalists have contacted us regarding this. Our preparations for the July Charter are complete. We are optimistic that the signing will take place in a festive atmosphere.”

Dr Riaz stated that the National Consensus Commission had formulated its recommendations based on reports prepared by government-formed reform commissions. 

We have been able to reach consensus on 84 issues based on the opinions of political parties. Some notes of dissent remain, which will be clearly mentioned in the July Charter along with the reasons behind them. This will help future policymakers understand where consensus was achieved, where differences existed, and how the proposed reforms were implemented later,” he said.

He noted that the implementation of the July Charter should not remain confined to the event alone. 

We will continue our efforts to ensure that the charter reaches every citizen. The government should also take steps to make it accessible to all. The unprecedented political commitment demonstrated in this state reform process should remain transparent, allowing citizens to observe the nation’s progress towards reform,” Dr Riaz said.

Addressing party representatives, he emphasised the need to sustain the current trend of change in political culture. “Differences among parties will always exist, yet it is possible to confront fascism on the basis of national consensus in the process of state reform,” he added.