In this topic (2 tutorials)
The Constitution of Pakistan 1973
The Constitution is tested in CSS, PMS, and all commission exams. Understanding its structure, key articles, and amendments is essential for any Pakistani competitive exam.
1. Basic Structure
- Preamble: Sovereignty belongs to Allah; authority delegated to the people
- Total Articles: 280 (originally), now more with amendments
- Parts: 12 parts covering different aspects of governance
- Schedules: 5 schedules for oaths, languages, etc.
2. Fundamental Rights (Articles 8-28)
- Article 8: Laws inconsistent with fundamental rights are void
- Article 9: Security of person
- Article 10: Safeguards as to arrest and detention
- Article 10A: Right to fair trial and due process
- Article 14: Inviolability of dignity of man
- Article 17: Freedom of association
- Article 18: Freedom of trade, business, or profession
- Article 19: Freedom of speech
- Article 19A: Right to information (added by 18th Amendment)
- Article 20: Freedom to profess religion
- Article 22: Safeguards on educational institutions
- Article 25: Equality before law
- Article 25A: Right to education (ages 5-16) (added by 18th Amendment)
3. Principles of Policy (Articles 29-40)
- Islamic way of life
- Promotion of social justice and eradication of social evils
- Protection of minorities
- Strengthening bonds with Muslim world
- Decentralization of government
4. Government Structure in the Constitution
- President (Articles 41-49): Head of state, elected by Parliament and Provincial Assemblies
- Prime Minister (Articles 90-100): Head of government, leader of majority party in NA
- Parliament (Articles 50-89): National Assembly + Senate
- Judiciary (Articles 175-212): Supreme Court, High Courts, Federal Shariat Court
5. Most Important Articles for Exams
- Article 1: Name and territory of Pakistan
- Article 2: Islam is the state religion
- Article 2A: The Objectives Resolution is part of the Constitution
- Article 6: High treason (abrogating constitution)
- Article 62-63: Qualifications/Disqualifications for members
- Article 140A: Local government system
- Article 184(3): Supreme Court's original jurisdiction (fundamental rights)
- Article 199: High Court's jurisdiction (writs)
- Article 232-237: Emergency provisions
- Article 270AA: Validation of Musharraf-era actions
Key Takeaways
- The 1973 Constitution established a parliamentary system
- Fundamental Rights are in Articles 8-28
- Article 25A provides right to education (5-16 years)
- 18th Amendment is the most significant change
- Article 184(3) gives SC original jurisdiction on fundamental rights
Preparation Tips
1
Get a pocket-sized Constitution and read it regularly
2
Memorize article numbers for key rights - they are directly asked
3
Study each amendment and what it changed
4
Read Supreme Court judgments that interpret key articles
Recommended Books
Constitutional & Political History of Pakistan
by Hamid Khan
Best scholarly work on Pakistan's constitutional evolution
The Constitution of Pakistan 1973
by Government of Pakistan
The actual constitutional text - must have