Constitution & Government of Pakistan MCQs With Answers
Constitutional questions decide a large share of marks in every Pakistan Studies paper. These Constitution of Pakistan MCQs cover the 1956, 1962 and 1973 constitutions, the Objectives Resolution and Article 2A, key amendments from the 8th, 13th and 17th to the 18th, 21st and 25th, important Articles such as 2, 9, 19A, 25, 175, 184(3), 199, 218 and 227, the National Assembly and Senate, reserved seats and minimum ages, the Supreme Court, High Courts and Federal Shariat Court, and bodies such as the Election Commission, Council of Islamic Ideology, Council of Common Interests, NFC, NAB and FPSC. They are essential for CSS, PMS, PPSC, FPSC and lecturer tests.
Take a scored quiz instead →According to the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, how many total seats are there in the National Assembly of Pakistan?
Under the current constitutional setup, the National Assembly has 336 seats (266 general, 60 women, 10 non-Muslims).
How many seats are reserved for Women in the National Assembly of Pakistan under the current constitutional setup?
60 seats are reserved for women in the National Assembly allocated proportionally to political parties.
How many seats are reserved for Non-Muslims (Minorities) in the National Assembly of Pakistan?
10 seats are reserved for Non-Muslims in the National Assembly.
Following the 25th Constitutional Amendment (FATA Merger), what is the total strength of the Senate of Pakistan?
Following the 25th Amendment, Senate strength was reduced from 104 to 96 members as FATA seats were phased out.
What is the term length of a Senator in the Senate of Pakistan?
Senators are elected for a 6-year term length.
What proportion of the Senate of Pakistan retires every 3 years?
One-half (50%) of the Senate members retire every 3 years after completing their term.
Under Article 243 of the Constitution of Pakistan, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Pakistan?
Article 243 specifies that the President of Pakistan is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Who serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in Pakistan?
The Prime Minister serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
Under which Article of the 1973 Constitution is the National Economic Council (NEC) constituted?
The National Economic Council (NEC) is established under Article 156 of the 1973 Constitution.
In the current 7th NFC Award distribution formula, what is the highest weighted criteria for revenue distribution among provinces?
In the 7th NFC Award, Population carries the highest weightage at 82.0%.
Under the 7th NFC Award, which province receives the largest share of provincial divisible pool transfers?
Punjab receives the largest provincial divisible pool share at 51.74%.
Which constitutional amendment abolished the Concurrent Legislative List in 2010, leading to the devolution of 17 federal ministries to the provinces?
The 18th Amendment (April 2010) abolished the Concurrent Legislative List and greatly expanded provincial autonomy.
Its Implementation Commission devolved 17 federal ministries to the provinces in three phases, completed by 30 June 2011.
Which constitutional amendment merged FATA into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018?
The 25th Amendment, passed in May 2018, merged the Federally Administered Tribal Areas into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ending their separate status and the Frontier Crimes Regulation regime.
FATA's separate seats in the National Assembly and Senate were phased out.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan is established under which Article of the 1973 Constitution?
The Supreme Court of Pakistan is established under Article 175 of the Constitution.
Before the 27th Amendment (2025), Article 184(3) gave the Supreme Court of Pakistan original jurisdiction over matters involving:
Article 184(3) let the Supreme Court hear, in its original jurisdiction, questions of public importance concerning the enforcement of fundamental rights; it was the basis of the Court's suo motu cases.
The 26th Amendment (2024) curtailed suo motu action, and the 27th Amendment (November 2025) moved such constitutional matters to the new Federal Constitutional Court.
High Courts in Pakistan issue writs (such as Habeas Corpus and Mandamus) under which Article of the Constitution?
High Courts issue constitutional writs under Article 199.
What is the mandatory retirement age for a Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan?
Supreme Court judges retire upon reaching 65 years of age.
What is the mandatory retirement age for a Judge of a High Court in Pakistan?
High Court judges retire upon reaching 62 years of age.
The Federal Shariat Court (FSC) of Pakistan was established in which year during General Zia-ul-Haq’s era?
Federal Shariat Court was established in May 1980 through a Presidential Order.
Where is the main seat of the Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan located?
The primary seat of the Federal Shariat Court is in Islamabad.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is an independent constitutional body established under which Article?
The ECP is established under Article 218 of the Constitution.
What is the tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Pakistan?
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) serves a 5-year term.
Which constitutional body is responsible for recommending the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts?
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) recommends judicial appointments.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was created through an ordinance promulgated in which year?
NAB was established under the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999.
What resolution did Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly pass in 1949?
- The Objectives Resolution, passed on 12 March 1949, outlined the foundational principles blending Islamic values and democratic governance for Pakistan's future constitution.
- It combined Islamic values with democratic principles.
- It later became Art
In which year was Pakistan’s first constitution adopted?
- Pakistan's first constitution was adopted on 23 March 1956, declaring Pakistan an Islamic Republic.
- It declared Pakistan an Islamic Republic.
- It remained in effect only until 1958.
In which year was Pakistan’s second constitution adopted?
- The 1962 Constitution, introduced under President Ayub Khan, established a presidential system of government.
- It established a presidential system of government.
- It remained in effect until 1969.
In which year was Pakistan’s current constitution adopted?
- The 1973 Constitution, adopted under Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, remains Pakistan's constitution today, having been amended numerous times since.
- It established a parliamentary system of government.
- It has been amended many times since.
What system of government does the 1973 Constitution establish?
- The 1973 Constitution establishes Pakistan as a parliamentary federal democratic republic, with the Prime Minister as chief executive.
- The Prime Minister acts as chief executive.
- The President holds a mostly ceremonial role.
Which amendment increased presidential powers in 1985?
- The 8th Amendment (1985) granted the President substantial discretionary powers, including Article 58(2)(b), allowing dissolution of the National Assembly.
- It allowed the President to dissolve the National Assembly.
- This power was later removed by t
Which amendment removed the President’s power to dissolve the Assembly?
- The 13th Amendment (1997) removed the President's discretionary power to dissolve the National Assembly, which had been introduced by the 8th Amendment.
- It reversed a power granted by the 8th Amendment.
Which article of the 1973 Constitution contains the Objectives Resolution?
The Objectives Resolution (1949) was the preamble of the 1956, 1962 and 1973 constitutions. In 1985 it was made a substantive part of the Constitution as Article 2A by the Revival of the Constitution of 1973 Order (P.O. 14 of 1985), which the 8th Amendment then validated.
What is the state religion of Pakistan under the Constitution?
- Article 2 of the 1973 Constitution explicitly declares Islam as the state religion of Pakistan.
- This is stated in Article 2 of the Constitution.
- It is one of several Islamic provisions in the Constitution.
What is Pakistan’s official constitutional name?
- Pakistan's official constitutional name is the "Islamic Republic of Pakistan."
- The name reflects Pakistan's status as an Islamic Republic.
- It was first used in the 1956 Constitution.
Which territory merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018?
- The 25th Amendment (2018) merged the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into the neighboring province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- This was done through the 25th Constitutional Amendment.
- It ended the separate status of the tribal areas.
What is Pakistan’s Parliament officially called?
- Pakistan's Parliament, formally termed "Majlis-e-Shoora," consists of the directly elected National Assembly and the Senate, representing the provinces.
- It consists of the National Assembly and the Senate.
- Majlis-e-Shoora means Council of Advisors.
What is the normal term length of the National Assembly?
Under Article 52 of the Constitution, the National Assembly serves a five-year term from the day of its first meeting, unless it is dissolved earlier. Senators serve six-year terms, with half retiring every three years.
Which house of Pakistan’s Parliament gives equal representation to every province?
The Senate, the upper house, gives each province an equal number of seats (23) regardless of population, which balances the population-based National Assembly. After the merger of FATA, the Senate has 96 members.
What is the highest court of appeal in civil and criminal cases in Pakistan?
The Supreme Court of Pakistan, established under Article 176, is the apex court of appeal in civil and criminal matters.
Since the 27th Amendment (November 2025), constitutional cases are heard by the new Federal Constitutional Court.
Which court checks if laws follow Islamic principles?
The Federal Shariat Court, set up in 1980 under Chapter 3A of the Constitution (Article 203C), can examine whether any law is repugnant to the injunctions of Islam. Its decisions can be appealed to the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court.
Which body organizes and conducts elections in Pakistan?
The Election Commission of Pakistan, established under Article 218 and headed by the Chief Election Commissioner, organises and conducts elections to the National Assembly, the Senate, the provincial assemblies and local governments.
Who is the ceremonial Head of State of Pakistan?
- Under Pakistan's parliamentary system, the President serves as the ceremonial Head of State, while executive authority rests primarily with the Prime Minister.
- Real executive power rests with the Prime Minister.
- This reflects Pakistan's parliamentar
Which body advises on whether laws conform to Islam?
The Council of Islamic Ideology, set up under Articles 227–231, is an advisory body that recommends to Parliament and the provincial assemblies how laws can be brought into conformity with Islam. Unlike the Federal Shariat Court, its opinions are not binding.
What is the minimum age to become a National Assembly member?
- A candidate must be at least 25 years old to contest and become a member of the National Assembly.
- Candidates must meet this age requirement to contest elections.
- This is set out in the Constitution.
What is the minimum voting age in Pakistan?
- Pakistani citizens are eligible to vote once they reach 18 years of age.
- Citizens can vote once they reach this age.
- It applies to all national and provincial elections.
Who was Pakistan’s first Chief Justice?
- Sir Abdur Rashid served as the first Chief Justice of Pakistan following independence.
- He served shortly after Pakistan's independence.
- He led the country's early judicial system.
Which body regulates Pakistan’s electronic media?
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), set up in 2002, licenses and regulates TV channels and FM radio. PTA regulates telecommunications, NEPRA electric power and OGRA oil and gas.
What is Pakistan’s anti-corruption body called?
- The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), established under the National Accountability Ordinance of 1999, is the primary federal body tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offenses, particularly involving public office holders.
- It mainly investigates cases involving public office holders.
Which agency investigates human trafficking and immigration offences in Pakistan?
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), set up in 1975, investigates federal crimes such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling and immigration offences, and runs immigration control at airports and land borders.
Since 2025, cybercrime has been handled by the separate National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
Which office audits federal and provincial government accounts?
- The Auditor General of Pakistan is a constitutionally protected, independent office responsible for auditing government expenditure at federal and provincial levels, submitting reports to the President and provincial Governors for presentation to the respective legislatures.
- Its reports go to the President and provincial Governors.
What interim constitution did Pakistan use from 1947 to 1956?
- Pakistan used an adapted version of the Government of India Act 1935, with the term "Governor-General" retained from the colonial framework, as its interim constitutional structure for nearly nine years until the first constitution was adopted in 1956.
- The term 'Governor-General' was kept from colonial times.
- This framework lasted nearly nine years.
What allows the President to issue laws when Parliament isn’t in session?
- Under Article 89 of the Constitution, the President may issue ordinances with the force of law when the National Assembly is not in session, though these ordinances generally lapse after a set period unless approved by Parliament.
- Such ordinances need later parliamentary approval.
What are citizens’ guaranteed rights in the Constitution called?
- Pakistan's Constitution guarantees a set of Fundamental Rights in Articles 8 through 28, covering areas such as equality before law, freedom of speech, and protection of life and liberty, which are enforceable through the courts.
- They are enforceable through the courts.
What are the non-binding state policy guidelines in the Constitution called?
- The "Principles of Policy," found in Articles 29 through 40, outline broad guidance for governance on matters such as promoting social justice and Islamic values, but unlike Fundamental Rights, they are generally not directly enforceable in court.
- They are generally not enforceable in court.
What list contains subjects only the federal government can legislate on?
- The Federal Legislative List, found in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, enumerates subjects reserved exclusively for federal legislation, such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency.
- Defense and foreign affairs are examples of subjects on it.
What happened to the Concurrent List after the 18th Amendment?
- Subjects like education and health moved mainly to the provinces.
- This was a major step in devolving federal powers.
- It happened in 2010.
What is the President’s official residence called?
- Aiwan-e-Sadr ("House of the President") serves as the official residence and workplace of Pakistan's President in Islamabad, distinct from the Prime Minister's House and the Parliament House, which are separate government buildings in the capital.
- It is separate from the Prime Minister's House and Parliament House.
What building houses Pakistan’s National Assembly and Senate?
- Parliament House in Islamabad houses the chambers of both the National Assembly and the Senate, serving as the seat of Pakistan's federal legislature.
- It serves as the seat of Pakistan's federal legislature.
Which province holds the most National Assembly seats?
- Seat numbers are based on each province's population.
- Punjab is Pakistan's most populous province.
- Seat allocations are updated after each census.
What is Punjab’s provincial legislature called?
- The Provincial Assembly of Punjab, based in Lahore, is Punjab's unicameral provincial legislature, responsible for legislating on matters within provincial jurisdiction and electing the province's Chief Minister.
- It elects the Chief Minister of the province.
What is Sindh’s provincial legislature called?
- The Provincial Assembly of Sindh, based in Karachi, is Sindh's unicameral provincial legislature, responsible for provincial-level lawmaking and electing the province's Chief Minister.
- It also elects Sindh's Chief Minister.
Which 2015 amendment allowed military courts to try civilians?
- The 21st Amendment, passed in January 2015 in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack, established military courts with jurisdiction to try civilians in specific terrorism-related cases for a limited, defined period, a measure that generated significant legal and political debate.
- It followed a major terrorist attack.
Which amendment, passed in December 2003, validated the Legal Framework Order and restored some presidential powers?
The 17th Amendment (December 2003) validated most of General Pervez Musharraf's Legal Framework Order 2002, including the President's power under Article 58(2)(b) to dissolve the National Assembly, which the 13th Amendment (1997) had removed.
The 18th Amendment (2010) took this power away again.
What 1973 development established Pakistan’s parliamentary system?
- It replaced the presidential system of the 1962 Constitution.
- It was adopted under Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
- It remains Pakistan's constitution today, with amendments.
What removes a sitting Prime Minister through a parliamentary vote?
- Pakistan's Constitution allows the National Assembly to remove a sitting Prime Minister through a Vote of No-Confidence, requiring a majority of the total membership of the House, a mechanism that has been used at various points in the country's parliamentary history.
- It requires a majority of the total Assembly membership.
How can Pakistan’s President be removed from office?
- It requires a resolution passed in a joint sitting.
- A two-thirds majority is generally needed.
- This process is set out in the Constitution.
What is Pakistan’s disaster management authority called?
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), established in 2007 following the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake, coordinates Pakistan's national response to natural disasters including floods, earthquakes, and other large-scale emergencies.
Which branch of law in Pakistan covers Muslim marriage, divorce and inheritance?
Muslim family law covers marriage, divorce, maintenance, custody and inheritance. In Pakistan it is codified mainly in the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961, which made marriage registration (Nikah Nama) compulsory and regulated divorce and polygamy.
Which 1961 ordinance reformed Muslim family law in Pakistan?
- The Muslim Family Laws Ordinance of 1961, introduced under President Ayub Khan, established requirements including compulsory marriage registration (Nikah Nama) and certain procedural safeguards related to divorce and polygamy for Pakistan's Muslim citizens.
- It introduced compulsory marriage registration.
Which 2006 law reformed Pakistan’s rape and assault laws?
- The Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, passed in 2006, amended provisions of the 1979 Hudood Ordinances, moving the offense of rape largely back under the Pakistan Penal Code and introducing significant procedural changes to related legal proceedings.
- It moved rape cases mainly back under regular criminal law.
How many High Courts does Pakistan currently have?
- Pakistan currently has five High Courts: the Lahore High Court (Punjab), Sindh High Court, Peshawar High Court (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Balochistan High Court, and the Islamabad High Court, which was established later to serve the federal capital territory
In which city is the Lahore High Court based?
- The Lahore High Court, one of Pakistan's oldest high courts with roots tracing back to the colonial era, is based in Lahore and has additional bench locations in other major Punjab cities.
What is the head of a High Court called in Pakistan?
- The head of each High Court and of the Supreme Court in Pakistan holds the title "Chief Justice," overseeing the administration of the respective court alongside their judicial duties.
How many general seats are in the National Assembly after 2024?
- Following the 2023 digital census and subsequent delimitation, the National Assembly's general seats were adjusted to 266, with 60 seats reserved for women and 10 for non-Muslim minorities allocated to parties proportionally, bringing the total to 336 f
What Senate body reviews budget recommendations before a bill returns?
- Different committees handle different subject areas.
- Their recommendations then go back to the National Assembly.
- This is part of Pakistan's legislative review process.
What is the body of federal ministers led by the PM called?
- The Federal Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister and composed of federal ministers overseeing various ministries, forms the executive branch's core decision-making body responsible for the day-to-day administration of the federal government.
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Which body, chaired by the Prime Minister, is the highest forum for decisions on national security and defence?
The Defence Committee of the Cabinet was renamed the National Security Committee in 2013. Chaired by the Prime Minister, it includes the ministers for defence, foreign affairs, interior and finance, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the services chiefs.
What is Pakistan’s tiered local governance system called?
- Pakistan's Local Government system provides for elected bodies at the district, tehsil/town, and union council levels (with specific structures varying by province and over different reform periods), intended to devolve certain governance functions clos
What is the smallest elected local government unit called?
The Union Council is the smallest elected unit of local government in Pakistan, usually covering a group of villages or urban neighbourhoods. Above it are the tehsil or town and the district levels.
Which 1975 amendment restricted certain fundamental rights?
- The 4th Amendment, passed in 1975, made several changes including restrictions on certain fundamental rights and expanded the scope for preventive detention, reflecting the political tensions of the period under Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's gove
Which 1974 amendment defined who qualifies as Muslim constitutionally?
- The 2nd Amendment, passed in September 1974 under Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's government, added a constitutional definition of "Muslim" and declared the Ahmadiyya community to be non-Muslim for constitutional and legal purposes.
- It addressed
Which amendment renamed NWFP to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
- The renaming reflected the region's Pashtun identity.
- It happened in 2010, alongside other devolution reforms.
- The province was formerly called NWFP.
Which ministry oversees religious affairs and Hajj arrangements?
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony makes the national Hajj policy, runs the government Hajj scheme and handles religious affairs and interfaith matters.
What is Pakistan’s civil service exam system called?
The Central Superior Services (CSS) examination is conducted every year by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) to recruit BS-17 officers into the occupational groups of the federal civil service, such as the Pakistan Administrative Service and the Foreign Service.
Which body conducts the CSS exam in Pakistan?
- The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) is the constitutional body responsible for conducting recruitment examinations and interviews for federal government positions, most notably the annual Central Superior Services (CSS) examination.
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What are the provincial versions of FPSC called?
Each province has its own Public Service Commission: the PPSC (Punjab), SPSC (Sindh), KPPSC (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and BPSC (Balochistan). They recruit provincial civil servants, including through the Provincial Management Service (PMS) examination.
What is the minimum age to contest for Senate membership?
- A candidate must be at least 30 years old to contest for a seat in the Senate of Pakistan, a slightly higher age threshold than the 25-year minimum required for National Assembly candidacy.
Which body conducts constituency delimitation in Pakistan?
- The Election Commission of Pakistan is constitutionally responsible for conducting the delimitation (boundary-drawing) of electoral constituencies ahead of general elections, a process typically informed by the most recent census data.
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What is federal takeover of provincial governance in emergencies called?
Governor's Rule is imposed under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, which let the President take over the functions of a provincial government in an emergency or when government cannot be carried on under the Constitution. It was imposed in Punjab in 2009 and in Balochistan in 2013.
What principle describes provinces having their own executive and legislature?
- Pakistan's Constitution establishes a federal system of governance, under which the four provinces maintain their own executive (Chief Minister-led) and legislative (Provincial Assembly) structures, alongside province-level High Courts, distinguishing t
Can Pakistan’s Parliament pass laws with retrospective effect?
Parliament may give laws retrospective effect in civil and tax matters. Article 12, however, forbids punishing anyone for an act that was not an offence when it was done, or giving a heavier penalty than the law then allowed; the only exception is high treason under Article 6.
Which Article of the Constitution guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process?
Article 10A, inserted by the 18th Amendment in 2010, guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process in the determination of civil rights and criminal charges.
Article 9 protects life and liberty, Article 19A gives the right to information and Article 25A the right to free education for children aged 5 to 16.
Which constitutional framework governs federal-provincial legislative division?
The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution contains the Federal Legislative List (Parts I and II), which sets out the subjects on which Parliament legislates.
Under Article 142, all matters not in that list (residuary subjects) belong to the provinces. The Concurrent Legislative List was abolished by the 18th Amendment in 2010.
Under the Constitution, who holds Pakistan’s residuary powers?
Under Article 142(c), matters not in the Federal Legislative List fall to the provinces, so the provinces hold the residuary powers; this has been the position since 1973.
Abolishing the Concurrent Legislative List through the 18th Amendment (2010) widened the provincial domain further.
What does the NFC Award mainly determine?
- It affects how much money each province receives.
- It is a central part of Pakistan's fiscal federalism.
- Awards are negotiated periodically among the provinces.
From which year was the 7th NFC Award implemented?
The 7th National Finance Commission Award was signed in Gwadar on 30 December 2009 and took effect on 1 July 2010. It raised the provinces' share of the divisible pool from 47.5% to 56% in the first year and 57.5% thereafter.
It was also the first award to use several criteria for distribution among provinces: population 82%, poverty 10.3%, revenue 5% and inverse population density 2.7%.
What is the main factor in each province’s NFC Award share?
- Other factors include poverty and revenue collection.
- More recent formulas also weigh population density.
- This formula determines each province's financial share.
Which Amendment to Pakistan’s Constitution is known as the ’18th Amendment’?
- The 18th Amendment was passed in 2010.
- It transferred many federal subjects to the provinces.
- It also abolished the Concurrent Legislative List.
Which amendment introduced the President’s power to dissolve the National Assembly under Article 58(2)(b)?
The 8th Amendment (1985), passed under General Zia-ul-Haq, introduced Article 58(2)(b), giving the President discretionary power to dissolve the National Assembly.
The 13th Amendment (1997) removed it, the 17th Amendment (2003) restored it, and the 18th Amendment (2010) abolished it.
Who moved the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly?
- He was Pakistan's first Prime Minister.
- The resolution set the direction for Pakistan's future constitutions.
- It was passed shortly after Jinnah's death.
What is the minimum age requirement to become Prime Minister of Pakistan?
- This is the same age requirement as for National Assembly membership.
- The Prime Minister must be a member of the National Assembly.
- Age requirements are set out in the Constitution.
What is the minimum age requirement to become President of Pakistan?
- This is higher than the age required for the National Assembly.
- The President must also be a Muslim citizen of Pakistan.
- The requirements are set out in the Constitution.
How many consecutive terms can a person serve as President of Pakistan?
Under Article 44(2) of the Constitution, no person may hold the office of President for more than two consecutive terms.
The limit applies only to consecutive terms: Asif Ali Zardari, President from 2008 to 2013, was elected again in March 2024.
What is the term length of the President of Pakistan?
- The President is elected by an electoral college.
- This college includes members of Parliament and provincial assemblies.
- The role is largely ceremonial under the parliamentary system.
Who elects the President of Pakistan?
- This is different from a direct popular election.
- It includes members of the National Assembly, Senate, and provincial assemblies.
- This method reflects Pakistan's parliamentary system.
Before the 27th Amendment (2025), which body was the final authority for interpreting Pakistan’s Constitution?
Until November 2025 the Supreme Court was the final interpreter of the Constitution, and its interpretations bound all other courts.
The 27th Amendment created a Federal Constitutional Court, which now hears constitutional cases.
Who was the first Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan?
- The Senate was first constituted under the 1973 Constitution.
- The Chairman presides over Senate proceedings.
- The Chairman also acts as President under certain circumstances.
Which Article of Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees the right to information?
- It was added through the 18th Amendment in 2010.
- It allows citizens to request information from public bodies.
- It supports transparency in government functioning.
Which Article of Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equality of citizens before the law?
- It is part of the Fundamental Rights chapter.
- It also allows for special provisions for women and children.
- It reflects a core democratic principle.
Which Article of Pakistan’s Constitution protects the right to life and liberty?
- It is considered one of the most fundamental rights.
- Courts have interpreted it broadly over time.
- It appears early in the Fundamental Rights chapter.
What is the term for the written order a court issues to enforce a legal right, such as habeas corpus?
- Writs are issued under the High Courts' constitutional powers.
- Habeas corpus is used to challenge unlawful detention.
- Other types include mandamus and certiorari.
Which Article of Pakistan’s Constitution declares Islam as the state religion?
- It establishes Islam as Pakistan's official state religion.
- It is a short but foundational provision.
- It appears early in the Constitution's introductory articles.
Which Article of the Constitution requires laws to be brought into conformity with Islamic injunctions?
- It states no law shall be repugnant to Islamic injunctions.
- It is part of the Constitution's Islamic Provisions chapter.
- It works alongside the Federal Shariat Court's role.
Which Article encourages the Islamic way of life for Muslim citizens of Pakistan?
- It appears within the Principles of Policy chapter.
- It is a non-justiciable, guiding provision.
- It reflects Pakistan's Islamic constitutional character.
Under Article 142(c), on which matters can only a Provincial Assembly make laws?
Article 142(c) gives Provincial Assemblies, and not Parliament, the power to make laws on any matter not listed in the Federal Legislative List.
Pakistan's Constitution has no separate provincial list: the Concurrent List was abolished by the 18th Amendment (2010), so the provinces hold the residuary powers.
What is the formal name of Pakistan’s Constitution as adopted in 1973?
- It was adopted by the National Assembly in 1973.
- It established a parliamentary system of government.
- It remains Pakistan's constitution today, with many amendments.
Which constitutional chapter has court-enforceable rights?
- These rights can be enforced through the High Courts and Supreme Court.
- They are found in Part II, Chapter I of the Constitution.
- They include rights like equality and freedom of speech.
Which body recommends the appointment of judges to Pakistan’s superior judiciary?
Under Article 175A, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan recommends the appointment of judges of the superior courts, and the President makes the appointment.
Since the 26th Amendment (2024) the Commission also includes members of Parliament, replacing the separate Parliamentary Committee on judges, and since the 27th Amendment (2025) it also covers the Federal Constitutional Court.
Before the 26th Amendment (2024), which body reviewed the Judicial Commission’s nominations for judges of the superior courts?
Under the 18th and 19th Amendments, an eight-member Parliamentary Committee on Judges, drawn equally from the National Assembly and the Senate, confirmed or rejected nominations made by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan.
The 26th Amendment (October 2024) abolished this committee and added members of Parliament directly to the Judicial Commission.
What did the 1st Amendment (1974) to the 1973 Constitution do?
The 1st Amendment, passed in May 1974, removed references to East Pakistan from the Constitution and redefined Pakistan's territories after Pakistan recognised Bangladesh in February 1974.
NWFP was renamed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa much later, by the 18th Amendment (2010).
Which Amendment, proposed in 1985, aimed to enforce Shariah law but was never fully passed by Parliament?
- It was introduced during General Zia-ul-Haq's rule.
- It sought to establish the Quran and Sunnah as supreme law.
- It lapsed without being passed by the National Assembly.
Which 1998 Amendment proposed strengthening Shariah’s role?
- It was proposed under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
- It aimed to make the Quran and Sunnah the supreme law.
- It passed the National Assembly but not the Senate.
Which 2003 amendment gave cover to Musharraf’s 1999 coup?
- It also allowed Musharraf to hold both presidency and army chief posts.
- It was passed through an agreement with a religious political alliance.
- Many of its provisions were later reversed by the 18th Amendment.
Which amendment increased women’s reserved assembly seats?
Women's reserved seats in the National Assembly were raised to 60 by General Pervez Musharraf's Legal Framework Order 2002, and the 17th Amendment (December 2003) validated this change. Reserved seats for women were also increased in the Senate and the provincial assemblies.
What restored Pakistan’s parliamentary system after 1962?
- It replaced the earlier presidential system entirely.
- It was adopted under Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
- It remains Pakistan's constitution today, with amendments.
Which ministry is generally responsible for Pakistan’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations?
- It manages Pakistan's embassies and diplomatic missions abroad.
- It is headed by the Foreign Minister.
- It plays a central role in shaping international relations.
Which ministry oversees internal security in Pakistan?
- It oversees agencies like the Federal Investigation Agency.
- It also manages passport and immigration matters.
- It plays a central role in domestic security policy.
Which ministry is generally responsible for Pakistan’s military policy and defense coordination?
- It coordinates policy among the armed forces.
- It works closely with the military's own command structures.
- It plays a central role in national security matters.
What is the PM’s official secretariat called?
- It supports the Prime Minister's daily administrative functions.
- It coordinates communication between ministries.
- It works alongside the Cabinet Division on policy matters.
What is the general term for Pakistan’s federal body coordinating meetings and decisions of the Cabinet?
- It manages the administrative business of Cabinet meetings.
- It supports coordination across various ministries.
- It plays a key role in implementing Cabinet decisions.
Who was Pakistan’s first woman to become a judge of a High Court, appointed in Sindh in 1994?
- Her appointment marked a significant milestone for women in Pakistan's judiciary.
- She served on the Sindh High Court.
- Her appointment came decades after Pakistan's independence.
Which Pakistani woman became the first female judge to serve on an international criminal tribunal?
- She served on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
- Her appointment reflected Pakistan's growing role in international law.
- She had a long career in Pakistan's judiciary before this appointment.