RAWALPINDI: The Constitutional talks, convened by President Z.A. Bhutto, concluded this afternoon [Oct 20] with a unanimous agreement between the leaders of all the parliamentary parties on the basic framework of the country’s permanent Constitution — resolving all fundamental issues. … The agreement, signed by 10 leaders, of the seven parliamentary parties … and two Independent parliamentarians, envisages a federal parliamentary system of government… .

… Providing sufficient safeguards against political instability, [the agreement] lays down that the chief executive shall be the Prime Minister, and the President shall act on his advice in all matters — having virtually no powers of his own. The Prime Minister will also have the right to seek the dissolution of the National Assembly at any time, even during the pendency of a motion for a vote of no confidence against him. … There shall be two legislative lists — Federal and Concurrent. The residuary powers of legislation shall vest in the provinces.

The 60-item Federal List … includes defence, external affairs, currency, the public debt of the Federation, posts and telegraphs, the federal public services and the Federal Public Service Commission. … All Money Bills shall be passed by the National Assembly, and the Senate shall have no say in the matter.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2022