The government on Thursday issued the gazette notification of the “July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025.”

According to the notification, the Order mandates a national referendum on provisions of the July National Charter related to constitutional reforms.

It states that both the Order and its reform proposals will be placed before the people in a referendum “to exercise the sovereign power of the people.”

The referendum will be conducted on the same day as the upcoming national parliamentary election, in accordance with the provisions of the Order.

The Charter envisions the establishment of a bicameral parliament, introducing an upper house of 100 members who will represent political parties in proportion to the votes they receive in the election.

The Order includes around 30 key proposals, such as setting a limit on Prime Minister’s term in office, enhancing powers of the President, electing a Deputy Speaker from opposition bench and increasing the number of reserved seats for women in parliament.

It also stipulates that implementing these proposals will be mandatory for the political party or coalition that wins the next general election.

The gazette further mentions that the referendum will be held through a secret ballot designed by Election Commission (EC).

A separate law will be enacted to facilitate the referendum and EC will take the necessary steps to organize it.
Earlier, President Md Shahabuddin signed the July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025, the notification added.