1973 Constitution of Pakistan facts for kids

Pakistan needed a strong set of rules to govern the country. This set of rules is called a constitution. After some big changes, a new government in Pakistan had a very important job. They had to write a brand new constitution. This new rulebook would help guide the country.

Pakistan's 1973 Constitution

How Pakistan Got Its New Constitution?

After a period of military rule, leaders met in April 1972. They were elected representatives from the 1970 elections. A special group of politicians from different parties was formed. Their task was to create the new constitution.

The group had some disagreements. They debated if Pakistan should have a parliamentary system or a presidential system. They also discussed how much power the provinces should have. It took them eight months to finish their work.

Finally, on April 10, 1973, they presented their report. The elected assembly voted on it. A large majority, 135 votes, approved the new constitution. It officially started on August 14, 1973. Soon after, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was chosen as the Prime Minister.

What's Inside the 1973 Constitution?

The 1973 Constitution set up many important rules for Pakistan. Here are some of its main features:

• Pakistan became a Federal Republic. This means it has a central government and provincial governments.
• It adopted a parliamentary system. The Prime Minister leads the government. The Prime Minister is chosen from the party with the most votes.
• Islam was declared the state religion. Both the Prime Minister and the President must be Muslims.
• Pakistan was officially named an Islamic Republic.
• To change the constitution, a special vote is needed. Two-thirds of the lower house and a majority of the upper house must agree.
• All basic human rights were promised to citizens. However, the government could add some reasonable limits by law.
• The Supreme Court and High Courts were given power. They could make sure people's basic rights were protected.
• The President must follow the Prime Minister's advice. All orders from the President needed the Prime Minister's signature.
• The Senate, which is the upper house of parliament, was created. Its members are mostly from the provinces. This made sure that the provinces' interests were heard at the national level. The Senate cannot be dissolved, even in emergencies.
• In times of emergency, the central government can make laws on anything. It can even temporarily stop some basic freedoms.
• Urdu was made the official language. Other Pakistani languages could still be used for the next 15 years.
• Teaching the Holy Quran and Islamiat (Islamic studies) became compulsory.
• Pakistan was set up as a federal Islamic state. This means that many powers that are not listed for the central government belong to the provinces.

Why Was This Constitution Special?

The 1973 Constitution was a big step for Pakistan. It brought back a parliamentary democracy. This was different from the presidential system used before in 1962.

It also gave more power to the provinces. This helped calm fears that the central government would control everything. This was very important because some provincial governments were from different political parties.

This constitution had a major advantage over earlier ones. It was agreed upon and voted for by a democratically elected assembly. This gave it much more authority and strength. Even though it was suspended during another period of military rule, it was brought back on December 30, 1985. It is still the constitution of Pakistan today.