Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced that the much-discussed referendum and the parliamentary election will be held on the same day.

He made the announcement in his address to the nation on Thursday (November 13).

In his address to the nation, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus announced that the parliamentary elections and referendum will be held on the same day. "After considering all aspects, we have decided that the referendum will be held on the day of the next national election," he said. That means the election and referendum will be held on the same day in the first half of February.

Dr. Yunus said this will not hamper the goal of reform; Rather, the election will be more festive and cost-effective. The necessary legislation will be enacted at the appropriate time for the referendum.

He also read out the questions to be presented on the referendum ballot in light of the July National Charter. The question would be:

"Do you agree to the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025 and the following proposals relating to constitutional reform enshrined in the Charter?"

It will have four main objectives:
a) the formation of a caretaker government and constitutional institutions in accordance with the July Charter,
b) the formation of a two-chamber parliament in which the upper house of 100 members will be determined by the vote ratio,
c) increase the representation of women, limit the tenure of the prime minister, increase the powers of the president, increase the independence of the judiciary and strengthen local government,
and (d) implement other reforms as promised by the parties.

Voters can vote 'yes' or 'no' on a single question.
If a majority of the 'yes' votes are cast in the referendum, a constitutional reform council will be formed with elected MPs.

The chief adviser said the council will complete the work of reforming the constitution within 180 working days and after 30 working days, the upper house will be formed in proportion to the votes, which will last till the last working day of the lower house.