Constitution of 1973

In the Bhutto regime, the National Assembly constituted a committee to prepare a draft Constitution for Pakistan on 17th April 1972. Leaders of all parliamentary groups in the National Assembly approved the draft of the Constitution of 1973 in October 1972.

The National Assembly approved the draft of the 1973 Constitution on 10th April 1973. The President of Pakistan gave his assent to the 1973 Constitution on 12th April 1973. The Constitution of 1973 was enforced in the country on 14th August 1973.

Under the 1973 Constitution, the statesman who was sworn in as President of Pakistan was Fazal Elahi.

The Constitution of 1973 is a written document and comprises twelve parts and 280 Articles. Chapter One of the 1973 Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights. According to the 1973 Constitution, if a person is detained under a Federal Law, a Board will be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

According to the 1973 Constitution, every citizen has a right to acquire property anywhere in Pakistan. Part II of the 1973 Constitution deals with Principles of Policy, which are a manifesto of national objectives. The Constitution of 1973 provides that the state would endeavour to preserve and strengthen relations with Muslim countries.

Part III of the 1973 Constitution deals with the Federation of Pakistan and consists of 100 Articles. The minimum age condition for the President of Pakistan in the 1973 Constitution is 45 years. According to the 1973 Constitution, the President of Pakistan would be elected by Members of the Parliament.

The tenure of the President's office is 5 years; however, he can be removed from office on the ground of mental incapacity or misconduct by Two-thirds of the total membership of Parliament.

According to the 1973 Constitution, the National Assembly comprises 217 seats, which include minority seats numbering 10. The President can address either House or both Houses of the Parliament vide Article 56.

According to Article 59 of the 1973 Constitution, the Senate consists of 87 members. According to Clause (3) of Article 59, the term of members of the Senate is six years.

The Constitution of 1973 provides that when a controversy arises regarding the qualification of a member of Parliament, the case shall be decided by the Chief Election Commissioner.

Under the 1973 Constitution, the legislation has been divided into Two Lists. The Federal government is bound to present before the National Assembly each year an 'Annual Budget Statement' according to Article No. 80 of the Constitution.

According to Article 101 of the 1973 Constitution, the Governor of each province is appointed by the President.

For the election of Prime Minister, the National Assembly holds a session after 30 days of the general election. After his nomination, the Prime Minister is required to take a vote of confidence from the National Assembly within 60 days.

Under the 1973 Constitution, the President can also appoint or dismiss any member of the Prime Minister's Cabinet vide Article 93.