ISLAMABAD: A rare cross-party and cross-sector consensus on reforming Pakistan’s governance structure emerged on Wednesday as participants of the Devolution Summit 2026 unanimously adopted the Islamabad Devolution Summit Charter 2026, declaring the existing system structurally flawed and in urgent need of constitutional, fiscal and institutional correction.

The summit concluded with acting president and Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani attending as chief guest, who termed the charter a serious and timely articulation of national reform priorities, according to a press release.

Mr Gilani appreciated Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan and the Punjab Local Government Caucus for initiating a bipartisan and principle-driven dialogue on an issue central to Pakistan’s democratic and federal future.

Endorsed by parliamentarians from across party lines, constitutional experts, economists, former public office holders, civil servants, civil society representatives and local government leaders, the Charter reflects a shared view that Pakistan has failed to achieve meaningful devolution despite repeated commitments. Participants agreed that governance failures were structural, stemming from the absence of a durable three-tier system.

Mr Gilani said constitutional clarity, fiscal devolution and institutional reform — particularly of the civil service — must move together to stabilise the federation and improve service delivery, terming the approach mature and non-partisan.

Earlier, Caucus Convener Ahmad Iqbal Chaudhry briefed the participants on the first day’s deliberations, noting unanimous agreement among political parties and representatives of the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies on the urgent need for a constitutional amendment to devolve power.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2026