ecture - The 1973 Constitution
The 1973 Constitution
1. Background
2. Constitution Making
3. Features
1. Background
Abrogation of the 1962 Constitution on March 25, 1969 led to second martial
law in the country. Yahya Khan handed over power to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on
December 20, 1971 after the first general elections. But martial law continued
and there was no constitution.
National Assembly approved an Interim Constitution, which was enforced on
April 21, 1972.
2: Constitution Making
Constitutional Committee comprising National Assembly (NA) members from
all parties was set up in April 1972. Law Minister was the Chairman of this
Committee.
All parties agreed on the future political system in October 1972. The
Committee reported on December 31, 1972. After long deliberations and
compromises final draft was approved unanimously on April 10, 1973. The new
Constitution was enforced on August 14, 1973.
The Constitution functioned since then with two gaps. It remained operational
during following periods:
1973-77: Operational
1977-1985: Suspended
1985-1999: Operational after changes
1999-2002 : Suspended
2002 onwards Operational after changes
3: Features of the Constitution
3.1. Parliamentary System
It was a parliamentary constitution having powerful Prime Minister (PM) as
head of government with a very weak President.
President must act on the advice of PM. All his orders were to be countersigned
by PM. Prime Minister to be elected by the NA.
PM exercised all executive authority. PM was answerable to the NA.
In 1985, powers of the President were increased. He enjoyed some discretion in
appointments of PM. He had power to dissolve the NA. He had the powers of
appointment of caretaker PM. He gives his assent to bills passed by the
parliament or returns these.
3.2. President:
