Structure of Government in Pakistan – Ultimate Detailed Summary

1. Introduction to Government Structure

Definition

• The structure of government refers to the way power is organized,

distributed, and exercised among different institutions to govern the country
effectively.

• It determines how laws are made, enforced, and interpreted to maintain

stability and protect citizens’ rights.

• Pakistan follows a federal parliamentary system, meaning:

• Power is divided among three branches of government to prevent

dictatorship.

• Provinces have autonomy, but the central government remains

supreme.

Significance of the Government Structure

• Ensures stability and organized governance by establishing clear

responsibilities.

• Defines the authority of different institutions (Executive, Legislature,

and Judiciary).

• Maintains law and order through police, courts, and law enforcement.

• Facilitates national policy-making for economic, social, and defense

matters.

• Protects fundamental rights of citizens under the Constitution of 1973.

• Prevents power abuse through checks and balances, ensuring

democracy.

2. Three Branches of Government

A. Executive Branch (Government Administration)

• Responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

• Headed by:

• President (ceremonial head of state).

• Prime Minister (real executive authority).

• Includes:
 • Federal & Provincial Governments (handles national and provincial
affairs).

• Bureaucracy & Civil Services (ensures administration runs smoothly).

• Law Enforcement Agencies (Police, FIA, NAB, Rangers).

• Local Governments (Municipal authorities for city-level governance).

B. Legislative Branch (Parliament – Lawmaking Body)

• Responsible for drafting, debating, and passing laws.

• Pakistan has a bicameral (two-house) Parliament:

• National Assembly (Lower House) → Represents the public.

• Senate (Upper House) → Ensures equal provincial

representation.

C. Judicial Branch (Court System)

• Responsible for interpreting laws, ensuring justice, and protecting

citizens’ rights.

• Hierarchy of Courts:

• Supreme Court (Highest Court, final authority).

• High Courts (One in each province, hears appeals).

• Lower Courts (District courts, civil courts, magistrate courts).

• Judicial Review Power → Supreme Court can declare any law

unconstitutional.

3. Separation of Powers & Checks and Balances

Separation of Powers

• Pakistan follows the principle of separation of powers, meaning:

• Executive → Implements laws.

• Legislature → Makes laws.

• Judiciary → Interprets and enforces laws.

Checks and Balances

• Executive is accountable to Parliament (PM must answer to the National

Assembly).
 • Judiciary can review laws and executive actions to prevent illegal
practices.

• Parliament can remove government officials (Impeachment, No-

confidence Motion).

4. Constitutional Framework (1973 Constitution)

The Constitution of 1973 is Pakistan’s supreme law, defining the country as a federal
parliamentary republic.

Key Constitutional Articles

• Executive (Articles 41-49):

• President’s role is ceremonial, while the Prime Minister holds real

power.

• Legislature (Articles 50-89):

• Defines the structure, powers, and law-making process of Parliament.

• Judiciary (Articles 175-212):

• Establishes judicial independence and powers.

Impact of the Constitution

• Strengthens democracy and prevents authoritarian rule.

• Ensures checks and balances between different branches.

• Protects fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and

equality.

5. Executive Branch (In-Depth Breakdown)

Roles & Responsibilities

1. Law Enforcement → Ensures laws passed by Parliament are

implemented.

2. Policy Formulation → Develops strategies for national

progress.

3. Public Administration → Manages government departments

(health, education, economy, defense).

4. Foreign Relations & Security → Represents Pakistan in

international diplomacy.
 5. Budget & Resource Allocation → Plans economic policies,
allocates funds.

Key Figures in the Executive Branch

1. President of Pakistan

• Symbolic Head of State.

• Powers:

• Signs or vetoes laws.

• Appoints governors, military chiefs, Supreme Court judges.

• Can summon and dissolve Parliament.

• Election Process: Indirectly elected by Parliament & Provincial

Assemblies.

2. Prime Minister of Pakistan

• Most powerful executive figure.

• Powers:

• Heads the federal government.

• Oversees federal ministries & departments.

• Represents Pakistan in international affairs.

• Election Process: Elected by National Assembly majority vote.

3. Ministers (Federal & Provincial)

• Federal Ministers → Manage national policies (defense,

finance, education).

• Provincial Ministers → Handle local governance (health,

transport, law enforcement).

• Appointed by: PM (Federal), Chief Minister (Provincial).

6. Role of the Military

Historical Influence

• Pakistan has experienced military coups in:

• 1958 (Ayub Khan)

• 1977 (Zia-ul-Haq)
 • 1999 (Pervez Musharraf)

• The military has played a dominant role in politics either through direct
rule (martial law) or indirect influence.

Current Role

1. National Security → Protects from external and internal

threats.

2. Foreign Policy Influence → Plays a key role in relations with

India, Afghanistan.

3. Crisis Management → Assists during disasters and

counterterrorism operations.

Key Military Institutions

• Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee → Oversees military

coordination.

• Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) → Handles national security

intelligence.

7. Legislative Branch (Parliament)

Structure

1. National Assembly (Lower House)

• 342 members (272 general, 60 women, 10 minorities).

• Direct elections every 5 years.

• Key Powers:

• Drafts laws.

• Passes the national budget.

• Can remove the Prime Minister via No-confidence Motion.

2. Senate (Upper House)

• 104 members (equal provincial representation).

• Indirectly elected, serving 6-year terms.

• Key Powers:

• Reviews and amends laws.

• Ensures provincial representation.

 • Cannot block money bills permanently.

8. Judiciary (Court System)

Roles

• Interprets the Constitution and ensures justice.

• Protects citizens’ fundamental rights.

• Oversees elections & settles disputes.

Judicial Structure

1. Supreme Court → Final authority on constitutional matters.

2. High Courts → Provincial-level appellate courts.

3. Lower Courts → Handle criminal, civil, and family law cases.

Judicial Independence

• Protected under Article 175 of the Constitution.

• Challenges: Political pressure, corruption, delayed cases.

9. Challenges in Government

• Executive interference in Judiciary.

• Legislative instability due to political rivalries.

• Frequent military interventions (martial laws).

Major Military Takeovers

• 1958 – Ayub Khan (First coup).

• 1977 – Zia-ul-Haq (Overthrew Bhutto).

• 1999 – Pervez Musharraf (Removed Nawaz Sharif).

10. Constitutional Reforms

• 8th Amendment (1985) → Gave President the power to

dissolve Parliament.

• 17th Amendment (2003) → Strengthened Presidential

powers.
 • 18th Amendment (2010) → Reduced Presidential power,
strengthened Parliament.

11. Role of Media & Civil Society

• Media → Exposes corruption, informs public, but faces

censorship.

• Civil Society (NGOs, activists) → Advocates for democracy &

human rights.