RAWALPINDI: The leaders of various political parties in the National Assembly, who were invited by President Bhutto for a meeting today [Oct 17] in order to evolve a consensus in regard to the country’s permanent Constitution, which is under preparation, appeared completely satisfied after three hours deliberations. The meeting will be resumed tomorrow.

Though none of the participants was inclined to offer straight comments regarding the subjects discussed, newsmen who talked to them separately concluded that the form of government to be adopted in the permanent constitution was the main subject discussed today.

Judging from the fact that most of the parties, whose leaders participated in today’s talks, held in the Presidency, are committed to the federal parliamentary system and almost each of them said after talks that he was satisfied with today’s progress it is fair to assume that some kind of consensus has been reached in regard to this question.

However, a major point that is yet to be sorted out in this regard is believed to be in relation to the need of political stability in the country. The PPP ... is agreeable to federal parliamentary system but is keen to introduce ... arrangements to protect against instability. …

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2022