Party chief can't be PM, Consensus Commission declares

The National Consensus Commission has notified political parties that individuals serving as party chiefs will be ineligible to hold the position of Prime Minister.

However, any party opposing the decision may submit a “note of dissent” in the national charter.

This announcement was made by Commission Vice Chairman Professor Ali Riaz at the start of 17th day of discussions with political parties on Tuesday, held at the Foreign Service Academy.

He said that most parties agree that the Prime Minister should not simultaneously serve as party chief, although some parties expressed dissenting views.

Those opposing the decision—including BNP, LDP, Labour Party, NDM, the 12-Party Alliance, the Nationalist Alliance, and Am Janatar Dal—support allowing one person to be party chief, Prime Minister, and leader of the House.

In contrast, the majority of parties, including Jamaat and NCP, opposed having the party chief serve as Prime Minister.

The issue has been subject to extensive debate over several sessions.