State structure

1. Title: Constitution and
State Structure
Subtitle: Structure of the
Government: Executive,
Legislature, Judiciary
Prepared by S.M Hussain Shah

2. Introduction
•Constitution defines the state structure.
•Pakistan follows a federal parliamentary
system (1973 Constitution).
•Separation of powers among:
•Executive → implements laws
•Legislature → makes laws
•Judiciary → interprets laws
•Lecturer note: Stress the principle of checks
and balances to avoid concentration of power

3. Executive Branch (Overview)
• Responsible for implementation of laws and policies.
• Headed by:
• President (Ceremonial Head of State)
• Prime Minister (Chief Executive)
• Includes: Federal Cabinet, Civil Services, Armed Forces

4. Executive: President
• Constitutional Head of State.
• Elected by an Electoral College (Parliament + Provincial Assemblies).
• Powers:
• Represents unity of state.
• Acts on advice of Prime Minister.
• Some reserve powers (e.g., assent to bills, appoint judges, governors,
service chiefs).
• Lecturer note: Stress symbolic vs limited powers after 18th Amendment

5. Executive: Prime Minister & Cabinet
•Prime Minister: Head of Government, real executive authority.
•Chosen from National Assembly majority.
•Powers:
•Leads policy-making.
•Supervises ministries.
•Represents Pakistan internationally.
•Cabinet Ministers: Responsible for specific ministries.
•Lecturer note: Compare with British parliamentary system

6. Legislature (Overview)
Pakistan has a bicameral legislature.
Functions: Law-making, oversight, budget approval,
representation.
Composed of:
National Assembly (Lower House)
Senate (Upper House)

7. National Assembly
Directly elected by the people.
Five-year term.
Representation based on population (larger role for Punjab, East Pakistan before
1971).
Functions:
Pass laws and budget.
Elect Prime Minister.
Hold government accountable (Question Hour, motions

8. Senate
Upper House; ensures provincial representation.
Members elected by Provincial Assemblies.
Equal seats for provinces (balancing Punjab’s majority in
NA).
Functions:
Law-making (cannot initiate money bills).
Strengthens federalism.

9. Judiciary (Overview)
Interprets and upholds the Constitution.
Ensures rule of law and fundamental rights.
Independent from executive & legislature.
Key Organs:
Supreme Court
High Courts (provincial level)
Subordinate Courts

10. Supreme Court
Apex Court of Pakistan.
Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan.
Jurisdiction:
Constitutional interpretation.
Judicial review of laws.
Appellate jurisdiction.
Advisory jurisdiction (President may seek opinion).

11. High Courts & Subordinate Judiciary
High Courts in each province: hear appeals,
constitutional petitions.
Hear
Subordinate Judiciary: district & session courts civil,
→
criminal, family cases.
Subordinat
e
Provide justice at grassroots level.
Provide

12. Checks & Balances
Executive: implements laws but accountable to
legislature.
Legislature: makes laws but subject to judicial review.
Judiciary: interprets laws but cannot legislate or
execute.
Ensures no organ dominates others.

13. Conclusion
Pakistan’s government structure is based
on separation of powers + federalism.
Executive, Legislature, Judiciary work
interdependently.
Strong institutions guarantee
→
democracy, justice, and stability.