PDA Karachi seeks wider consultation on draft constitution amid 3-day feedback deadline

KARACHI: The Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) is facing calls for greater inclusivity after its central council circulated a draft constitution with a three-day deadline for feedback. Leaders of the Karachi chapter have welcomed the draft but emphasized the need for wider consultation, more time, and open dialogue to ensure the document truly represents the country’s dental community.

The central council’s message, issued by its Chief Coordinator, stated that if no feedback was received within three days, the constitution would be deemed accepted. However, questions were raised about the limited circulation of the draft, which was not officially shared with all office bearers officially.

Dr Navid Rashid Qureshi, President of PDA Karachi Chapter, while speaking to Dental News Pakistan said the draft was a welcome step and appreciated the efforts of those who contributed to it under the leadership of Central Council President Dr Khurshid Ahmed.

“We welcome the draft constitution and appreciate all those who volunteered their services,” Dr Qureshi noted. “But the constitution would represent the entire dental community and, at an international level, dental graduates. Utmost care must be taken so that it truly becomes a representative constitution.”

He further added that while timelines are necessary to prevent indefinite delays, they must also be practical.

“A timeline is important, otherwise feedback could continue for months. But it should not be restricted to just days or hours. At least one month should be given, along with an open discussion. We are already receiving feedback from provincial and city chapters, and many have reservations on it. The central council should call an open meeting with all the chapters, senior members, and stakeholders for brainstorming and consensus.”

Following this, Dr Feroz Jahangir, Secretary General PDA Karachi Chapter, issued a detailed statement titled “Why Only Three Days? The Constitution Is Not a Joke,” expressing concern over the process.

“This sudden and rigid deadline raises serious concerns about the transparency, inclusivity, and democratic spirit of the process,” he said. “This is the Constitution of a national professional body — not a casual document to be altered in haste.”

Dr Jahangir stressed that the constitution defines the foundation, vision, and governance of PDA and must therefore be built on consultation, consensus, and collective ownership across all branches and provinces.

The statement also questioned the urgency behind the move:

• Why isn’t the constitution being shared publicly with all members?
• Why isn’t there a proper timeline and forum for discussion?
• What is the urgency that justifies bypassing democratic consultation?

Observers note that the debate highlights long-standing issues over governance within PDA. While the current draft is seen as a positive step, critics caution that without transparent dialogue, the process risks repeating past practices where decisions were taken without broader consultation and input.

The Karachi chapter emphasized that mishandling the process could undermine a constitutional exercise and the Association’s credibility. “PDA belongs to its members — not a handful of coordinators,” Dr Jahangir said, urging the central council to adopt a participatory and transparent approach.

The PDA central council has yet to issue a formal response to these calls for wider consultation and an extended timeline.