Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s first achievement after coming into power was the preparation of a
Constitution for the country. The most prominent characteristic of this Constitution was that it
accommodated proposals from the opposition parties and hence almost all the major political parties of
the country accepted it. On 7th April, 1972 the national assembly of Pakistan appointed a committee to
prepare a draft of the permanent constitution of Pakistan. The National Assembly approved the 1973
Constitution on April 10, 1973, and it came into effect on August 14. Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto took
over as the Prime Minister of Pakistan from this date and Fazal Ilahi Chaudhry was appointed as the
President of Pakistan.
The present constitution (1973) provides for the protection and preservation of Islamic Concept of life. It
also attempts to propagate and implement the basic teachings of Islam.
The following are the Islamic provisions of 1973 constitution based on the principles of Holy Qur'an and
Sunnah.
Official Name
Pakistan shall be known as "Islamic Republic of Pakistan."
State Religion
Islam shall be the state religion of Pakistan.
Sovereignty Belongs to Allah
Sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah and the authority bestowed by him on
men is a sacred trust which the people of Pakistan will exercise with the limits prescribed by Qur'an and
Sunnah.
Definition of a Muslim
The constitution also gives the definition of a Muslim. A person who believes in Tauheed or Oneness of
Allah and in the prophet hood of Hazrat Mohammad (P.B.U.H) as the last prophet of Allah has described
as a Muslim.
A Muslim to be a President and Prime Minister
Prepared by: Fareed Khan Tareen Page 1
The constitution laid down that only Muslims shall be elected President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Non non-Muslim could hold these offices.
Islamic Way of Life
Steps shall be given to enable the Muslims of Pakistan to order their lives in accordance with the
fundamental principles and basic concepts of Islam.
Promotion of Social Justice and Eradication of Social Evils
The state shall take necessary steps for prosecution of social justice and eradication of social evils and
shall prevent prostitution, gambling and taking of injurious drugs, printing, publication, circulation and
display of obscene literature and advertisements.
Teachings of Holy Qur'an
The state shall try to make the teachings of Holy Qur'an and Islamic Studies compulsory to encourage
and facilitate the learning of Arabic language.
Strengthen Bond with Muslim World
The state shall endeavor to strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries in order to promote
Islamic unity.
Council of Islamic Ideology
There is a council of Islamic ideology which shall guide the government in respect of Islamic teachings,
their implementation and propagation. Its chairman and members are appointed by President.
Although its advice is not binding on the government yet it is not easy for any government to ignore or
over rule its suggestion or opinion regarding any law.
Error Free Publication of Quran
The government shall endeavor to secure correct and exact printing and publishing of the Holy Qur'an.
Oath to Project and Promote Islamic Ideology
The Federal and Provincial Ministers, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National and Provincial
Assemblies, the Chairman of the Senate and the Governors and Chief Ministers of the Provinces also
take oath to preserve and protect the Islamic Ideology.
Prepared by: Fareed Khan Tareen Page 2
The Constitution of 1973 is strikingly different from the earlier
Constitution of 1956 and 1962. It has the following salient features.
1. Written Constitution
Like the previous constitutions of 1956 and 1962 the Constitution of 1973 is a written document. It is
very comprehensive and consists of twelve parts consisting of 280 articles.
2. Introductory and the Objectives Resolution
It commences with an introductory which states the Islam shall be state religion. The principles and
provisions set out in the Objectives Resolution have been made substantive part of the constitution.
3. Islamic System
The inclusion of Islamic Provisions has given the 1973 Constitution an unprecedented Islamic character.
It ensures an Islamic system in the country.
4. Rigid Constitution
It is a rigid constitution. No Government can change it at will. It is not easy to make amendments in it.
Two-third majority of both the Houses is required for this purpose.
5. Federal System
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. The Federal Government is headed
by a President elected by members of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament)
6. Parliamentary form of Government
Prepared by: Fareed Khan Tareen Page 3
The 1973 Constitution proposes a Parliamentary form of Government in the country. Prime minister is
the head of the Parliamentary system. He is leader of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliamentary). He is elected
on direct adult franchise basis. The Prime Minister selects a cabinet of central ministers from the
members of Parliament which conducts the affairs of the country. According to 1973 Constitution the
Prime Minister enjoys wide powers.
7. Bicameral Legislature
The Constitution provides for the establishment of a bicameral legislature in Pakistan. The Majlis-e-
Shoora (Parliament) consists of two Houses named Senate and National Assembly. The Senate or the
Upper House consists of 63 members (the 8th Amendment has raised this number to 87). The National
Assembly consists of 200 members (Now this number has been raised to 207). The Majlis-e-Shoora
enjoys wide powers of legislature.
8. Direct Method of Election
The Constitution of 1973 gives a direct method of election. The members of the National Assembly, the
Provincial Assemblies are directly elected by the people.
9. Fundamental Rights
The 1973 Constitution ensures the following fundamental rights to the citizens of Pakistan.
Security of person
Safeguard against unlawful arrest and detention
Prohibition of slavery and forced labor
Freedom of movement
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of association
Freedom of business
Freedom of speech
Freedom of profess religion
Right to hold property
Equality before law
Right to preserve language, script and culture
Safeguard against discrimination in services.
Prepared by: Fareed Khan Tareen Page 4
10. Principles of Policy
The Constitution of 1973 has set the following principles of policy:
Local electoral bodies will be set up for solving local problems.
The parochial and other prejudices shall be discouraged.
The women shall be given full representation in all spheres of national life.
Social justice shall be promoted.
Bonds with Muslim world shall be strengthened.
11. Independence of Judiciary
The Constitution of 1973 stresses upon the establishment of an independent judiciary. Full job security
has been provided. The judges are appointed by the President. They cannot be removed from service
before the end of their term except on the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council. In addition
the Judges are paid respectable salaries.
12. 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.
13. Single Citizenship
The Constitution of 1973 has established the principles of single citizenship. According to this principle
the rights and duties of the citizens are determined by the Federal Constitution only. Thus the people
throughout Pakistan are citizens of Pakistan.
14. 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.
Prepared by: Fareed Khan Tareen Page 5
15. High Treason
According to the Constitution of 1973 the act of unconstitutional abrogation of the Constitution has
been declared as an act of High Treason.
16. Referendum
The Constitution of 1973 has authorized the President to hold Referendum on any national issue.
Similarly the Prime Minister can ask the President to hold referendum on any important national issue
Prepared by: Fareed Khan Tareen Page 6
