2. Introduction
• The present Constitution is the third constitution of the country which
was drafted and passed by the National Assembly of Pakistan on April
10, 1973. It was authenticated by the president on April 12, 1973 and
enforced on August 14, 1973.
• The constitution fully represent the ideology and democratic aspiration
of the people of Pakistan. It replaces the basic law of the state.
3. Sources Of Constitution
• Indian act 1935
• Objective Resolution
• Constitution of 1956
• Interim constitution of 1972
4. Salient Features (1973 Constitution)
1. Preamble: Preamble means an introductory part of statute. It is not the part of
constitution. It is stated in that sovereignty over entire universe belongs to Allah Akmighty.
2. Federal form of government: The Constitution of 1973 has introduced a Federal
system in the country. The federation of Pakistan consists of a Central Government and
four Provincial Governments.
3. A Rigid Constitution: The 1973 constitution is rigid because the amendment
procedure is not easy. A bill to amend the constitution must be passed by both the houses
of Parliament separately by 2/3rd majority vote. After that the bill is to be submitted to
the President for his assent. If the President signs the bill, the constitution will be
amended accordingly.
4. Bicameral Legislature: The federal Legislature is Bicameral consisting of two
house. Senate the upper house and National Assembly the lower house.
5. Salient Features (1973 Constitution)
5. Parliamentary Form of Government: The 1973 constitution establishes a
parliamentary form of government. The Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers belong to
Parliament and are responsible to it for their conduct and policies
6.Fundamental Rights: The Constitution grants and protects the fundamental rights
of the citizens of Pakistan. They include the right to life, property, profession, liberty of
thought and expression, freedom of association, religion, equality of citizens etc.
7. Independence of Judiciary: Although the members of the judiciary are
appointed by the president yet the powers to remove them from their offices have not
been given to him for ensuring independence of judiciary. The judges can be removed by
the president only when the Supreme Judicial Council of Pakistan so advises him. The
Constitution also provides independence of the judiciary from the Executive.
8. 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.
6. Salient Features (1973 Constitution)
8. 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.
9. Rights of Minorities:
Rights of Minorities have been protected in the 1973 constitution.
10. System of Check and Balance:
The constitution of 1973 provides system of check and balance in the country.
11. Pakistan to be a Welfare State: The Constitution reflects the spirit of a
Welfare State. It provides that illiteracy shall be removed; educational and economic
interests of backward classes and areas shall be promoted; just and human conditions of
work shall be provided; prostitution, gambling and consumption of alcoholic liquor shall be
prohibited and well-being of the people, irrespective of caste, sex, creed or race will be
secured by raising their standard of living.
