Friday, 30 January, 2026
The government on Thursday rejected claims circulating on social media that a “Yes” vote in the February 12 referendum would allow the interim administration to remain in power for a further six months, calling the reports misleading and factually incorrect.
In a statement posted on the verified Facebook page of CA Press Wing Facts, the government said disinformation was being spread on Facebook suggesting that the Yunus-led interim government would hand over power only after six months if the referendum outcome favoured “Yes”.
The clarification followed the circulation of a photo card attributed to Independent Television, which bore the headline: “After the election, members of parliament will act as a Constituent Assembly for 180 days: Ali Riaz.” The government said the image was being misused to falsely imply an extension of the interim government’s tenure.
Citing a keyword review of Prof Ali Riaz’s remarks, the statement said the Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission had explicitly rejected any suggestion that constitutional reform would delay the transfer of power. Prof Riaz had stated that parliament would begin its normal functions immediately after elections, including forming a government, running the state and preparing the budget.
He clarified that elected lawmakers would take a separate oath to carry out constitutional reforms and complete the process within 180 days, without affecting the formation of an elected government.
The government further cited the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, which states that if “Yes” prevails in the referendum, elected representatives will assume a dual role—serving both as members of parliament and as members of the Constitutional Reform Council.
“This authority rests with the elected parliament, not the interim government,” the statement said, adding that there is no provision in the Order allowing the interim administration to remain in office beyond the election.
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The government on Thursday rejected claims circulating on social media that a “Yes” vote in the February 12 referendum would allow the interim administration to remain in power for a further six months, calling the reports misleading and factually incorrect.
In a statement posted on the verified Facebook page of CA Press Wing Facts, the government said disinformation was being spread on Facebook suggesting that the Yunus-led interim government would hand over power only after six months if the referendum outcome favoured “Yes”.
The clarification followed the circulation of a photo card attributed to Independent Television, which bore the headline: “After the election, members of parliament will act as a Constituent Assembly for 180 days: Ali Riaz.” The government said the image was being misused to falsely imply an extension of the interim government’s tenure.
Citing a keyword review of Prof Ali Riaz’s remarks, the statement said the Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission had explicitly rejected any suggestion that constitutional reform would delay the transfer of power. Prof Riaz had stated that parliament would begin its normal functions immediately after elections, including forming a government, running the state and preparing the budget.
He clarified that elected lawmakers would take a separate oath to carry out constitutional reforms and complete the process within 180 days, without affecting the formation of an elected government.
The government further cited the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, which states that if “Yes” prevails in the referendum, elected representatives will assume a dual role—serving both as members of parliament and as members of the Constitutional Reform Council.
“This authority rests with the elected parliament, not the interim government,” the statement said, adding that there is no provision in the Order allowing the interim administration to remain in office beyond the election.
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