Salient features of Constitution of Pakistan 1973

Definition of Constitution: 

"Set of Rules & Regulations on which a state runs is called Constitution"

Constitution of Pakistan 1973: 

The constitution of Pakistan consists of

                        • 280 Article & 7 schedules. 

Sources of Constitution of Pakistan 1973

The sources of constitution of Pakistan 1973 are as follows;

•Act of 1935

•Objective resolution

•Constitution of 1956

•Interim constitution of 1972

Salient Features of Constitution of Pakistan

The Constitution of Pakistan, adopted in 1973, outlines the framework and principles upon which the country operates. It provides for a parliamentary democratic system with a federal structure.

 The Constitution of 1973 is strikingly different from the earlier Constitution of 1956 and 1962. It has the following salient features.  

1.Written Constitution

 Like the previous constitutions of 1956 

and 1962 the Constitution of 1973 is a written 

document. It is very comprehensive and 

consists of twelve parts consisting of 280 

articles.  

2.Introductory and the Objectives 
Resolution

 It commences with an introductory 

which slates the Islam shall be state religion. 

The principles and provisions set out in the 

Objectives Resolution have been made 

substantive part of the constitution. 

3.Islamic System

 The inclusion of Islamic Provisions has 

given the 1973 Constitution an unprecedented 

Islamic character. It ensures an Islamic 

system in the country.

The following are the Islamic provisions of 1973 Constitution:

• The Constitution of 1973 also names the country the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
• Islam is the State Religion of Pakistan.
• Sovereignty belongs to Allah Almighty
• Only Muslims could become the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.
• Islamic way of life.
• Islamization of laws.

4.Rigid Constitution

 It is a rigid constitution. No Government 

can change it at will. It is not easy to make 

amendments in it. Two-third majority of both 

the Houses is required for this purpose. 

5.Parliamentary form of 
Government

 •The 1973 Constitution proposes a 

Parliamentary form of Government in the 

country. 

•Prime minister is the head of the 

Parliamentary system.

• He is leader of the 

Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliamentary). 

•He is elected on direct adult franchise basis.

• The Prime Minister selects a cabinet of central 

ministers from the members of Parliament 

which conducts the affairs of the country. 

•According to 1973 Constitution the Prime 

Minister enjoys wide powers. 

6.Bicameral Legislature

The Constitution provides for the 

establishment of a bicameral legislature in 

Pakistan. The Majlise-Shoora (Parliament) 

consists of two Houses named Senate and 

National Assembly. The Senate or the Upper 

House consists of 63 members (the 8th 

Amendment has raised this number to 87). 

The National Assembly consists of 200 

members (Now this number has been raised 

to 207). The Majlis-e-Shoora enjoys wide 

powers of legislature. 

7.Fundamental Rights

 The 1973 Constitution ensures the 

following fundamental rights to the citizens of 

Pakistan. ....

•Security of person Safeguard 

against unlawful arrest and detention 

•Prohibition of slavery and forced labor 

•Freedom of movement 

•Freedom of assembly 

•Freedom of association

•Freedom of speech 

•Freedom of profess religion

• Right to hold property Equality before 

law

• Right to preserve language, script and 

culture

• Safeguard against discrimination in 

services.  

8.Independence of Judiciary

 The Constitution stresses upon the 

establishment of an independent judiciary. Full 

job security has been provided. The judges 

are appointed by the President. They cannot 

be removed from service before the end of 

their term except on the recommendation of 

the Supreme Judicial Council. In addition the 

Judges are paid respectable salaries.  

9.National Language

 The 1973 Constitution has declared Urdu as the national language of Pakistan. 

However English has been retained as the 

official language for 15 years. Similarly 

regional languages have been provided full 

protection.  

10.Preamble

Preamble means an introductory part of statue; it is not the part of the constitution. It is stated in it than sovereignty over entire universe belongs to Almighty Allah

11.Rights of Minorities
Rights of Minorities have been protected in the 1973 constitution.

12.Direct Elections

Constitution of Pakistan 1973 has provided method of direct elections to elect members of National Assembly and Provincial Assembly.

13.Rule of Law

 The 1973 Constitution establishes rule 

of law in Pakistan. According to rule of law no 

person can be deprived of his fundamental 

rights. All the citizens of Pakistan are equal 

before law. 

14.Directive Principles of State Policy

Directive Principles of State Policy lay down the basic objectives and future plan of action of the political system. All the government agencies take guidance from these principles. However, their realization depends upon the availability of resources, commitment of the decision makers and the contemporary environment. Hence their violation is not an offence or illegal action. Most of the Islamic provisions of the constitution are part of the directive principles of the state policy especially those dealing with the enforcement of socio-economic justice

At the end note These salient features highlight the foundational principles, structure, and key provisions of the Constitution of Pakistan. It serves as a vital document for governing the country and protecting the rights and interests of its citizens.