The Constitution of Pakistan 1973: Structure, Fundamental Rights and Exam Notes
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, adopted in 1973, is the supreme law of the country. It appears in every competitive exam, from CSS and PMS to judiciary and prosecution tests. A clear understanding of its structure helps you answer both MCQs and descriptive questions. This article presents the main parts in an easy order.
Basic features
- Federal, parliamentary and Islamic republic. The head of state is the President; the Prime Minister leads the government.
- Written and rigid. It is a written document that can be changed only by a special process (an amendment by a two-thirds majority in each house of Parliament).
- Bicameral Parliament. Majlis-e-Shoora consists of the President, the National Assembly and the Senate.
- Independent judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court, with High Courts in the provinces and the Islamabad Capital Territory.
Main parts, in short
| Part | Subject |
|---|---|
| Part I | Introductory (the republic and its territories, state language) |
| Part II | Fundamental Rights and Principles of Policy |
| Part III | The Federation of Pakistan (President, Parliament, Prime Minister) |
| Part IV | Relations between the Federation and the Provinces |
| Part V | The Provinces |
| Part VI | Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits |
| Part VII | The Judicature |
| Part VIII | Elections |
| Part IX | Islamic provisions |
| Part X | Emergency provisions |
| Part XI | Amendment of the Constitution |
| Part XII | Miscellaneous |
Tip: verify the exact part numbers and names from your textbook, because amendments and editions can change numbering, and use them as a map rather than a memory test.
Fundamental rights
The Constitution guarantees rights to citizens that courts can enforce. Learn the headings:
- Security of person and the right to life and liberty.
- Safeguards as to arrest and detention.
- Prohibition of slavery and forced labour.
- Freedom of movement, assembly, association, trade and speech.
- Freedom to profess religion and protection of minorities' institutions.
- Protection of property and equality of citizens.
- Right to education, as added later.
Learn the article number for each right from your edition of the Constitution and revise them with flash cards.
Principles of policy
These are guidelines for the government, such as promoting social and economic well-being, protecting the family, and promoting local government. Unlike fundamental rights, they are not directly enforceable in the courts.
Writ jurisdiction
High Courts can issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and to control illegal acts: habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo warranto. The Supreme Court has a power under the Constitution to hear matters of public importance relating to fundamental rights.
How to study for an exam
- Read the Constitution's table of contents until you can draw its map from memory.
- Study each part with its main articles; learn the most important by number.
- Read about important amendments and what they changed, for example the changes in provincial autonomy.
- Solve MCQs and write short notes on topics such as "separation of powers", "judicial review" and "federalism".
Use a reliable, updated copy of the Constitution, because amendments can alter the details of articles you remember from old guide books.