The 1973 Constitution established Pakistan as an Islamic republic with a parliamentary democratic system. It has 280 articles arranged in 12 parts and 6 schedules. Key aspects include:
- Guaranteeing fundamental rights and an independent judiciary
- A federal structure comprising provinces, territories and states
- A bicameral legislature consisting of the 342-seat National Assembly and 104-seat Senate
- A parliamentary democracy with an elected Prime Minister as head of government
- Provisions establishing Islam as the state religion and sharia-based restrictions.