APNA PAKISTANI
The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan
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The
1973 Constitution was implemented on 14th August 1973. The main
features or points stated by the constitution were as follows:
1.
Pakistan was to be a federal republic with a parliamentary system of
government. The Prime minister was to be the head of government, elected from
the majority party.
2.
The Special position of Islam as the state religion was emphasized and
both the Prime minister and President were required to be Muslims.
3.
Pakistan was declared an Islamic Republic.
4.
A Bill to amend the constitution would need a two-thirds majority in the
lower house and a majority in the upper house.
5.
All Fundamental human rights were guaranteed but the stipulation was
added that it was subject to “reasonable restrictions imposed by LAW”.
6.
The Supreme Court and the High courts were given the power to impose
fundamental rights.
7.
The President was to act in accordance with the binding advice of the PM,
and all orders of the President were to be counter signed by the PM.
8.
The Senate was to be elected mostly from the provincial governments &
so, for the first time, the interests of the provinces could be safeguarded at
the centre. The Senate could not be dissolved even in emergencies.
9.
In case of emergencies, the federal government could pass legislation on
anything and could even suspend fundamental freedoms.
10.
Urdu was to be the official language of the country, with English to be
retained for the next 15 yrs.
11.
Pakistan was to be a federal state, so residuary powers would rest with
the provinces not the central government.