The Constitution of 1973 refers to the current constitution

of Pakistan, which was adopted on April 12, 1973. It is the

supreme law of Pakistan and has been amended several times
to reflect the evolving needs and circumstances of the
country. Here are some key features and components of the
Constitution of 1973:
1 Preamble: It outlines the basic principles and
objectives of the constitution, including democracy, rule of
law, Islamic provisions, and rights of citizens.
2 Fundamental Rights: These include rights such as
equality before law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion,
right to education, and safeguards against discrimination.
3 Directive Principles of State Policy: These
principles provide guidance to the state in policymaking and
governance, emphasizing social and economic justice,
Islamic principles, and welfare of the people.
4 Federal Structure: Pakistan is a federal
parliamentary republic, with a clear distribution of powers
between the federal government and provincial governments.
5 Islamic Provisions: The constitution incorporates
principles of Islam as the state religion, while ensuring
religious freedom for minorities. Islamic teachings and
values are to be respected and followed in legislation and
policy.
6 Parliamentary System: Pakistan follows a
parliamentary system of government, with a bicameral
legislature consisting of the National Assembly (Lower
House) and the Senate (Upper House).
7 Judiciary: The constitution establishes an
independent judiciary, including the Supreme Court of
Pakistan as the highest judicial authority.
8 Amendment Procedure: The constitution provides
a detailed procedure for its amendment, requiring approval
by both houses of Parliament and, in some cases, ratification
by provincial assemblies.
9 Emergency Provisions: It outlines provisions for
declaring states of emergency in certain situations, with
specific checks and balances to prevent misuse of emergency
powers.
10 Miscellaneous Provisions: These include
provisions related to the President, Prime Minister, Council
of Ministers, armed forces, and other governmental
institutions and bodies.
Overall, the Constitution of 1973 is the foundation of
Pakistan's legal and political framework, aiming to ensure
governance based on democratic principles, rule of law, and
respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.

The Constitution of 1973 of Pakistan has several salients

features that define its structure and principles. Here are
some of the key features:
1 Islamic Republic: Pakistan is declared as an
Islamic Republic, with Islam as the state religion. The
constitution seeks to uphold Islamic principles while
ensuring religious freedom for minorities.
2 Federalism: The constitution establishes a federal
system of government, dividing powers between the federal
government and provincial governments. Each province has
its own legislature and executive authority.
3 Parliamentary Democracy: Pakistan follows a
parliamentary form of government, where the Prime Minister
is the head of government and exercises executive authority.
The National Assembly (Lower House) and the Senate
(Upper House) constitute the Parliament.
4 Fundamental Rights: The constitution guarantees
fundamental rights to all citizens, including equality before
law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to
education, and protection against discrimination.
5 Islamic Provisions: Islamic teachings and
principles are integrated into various aspects of law and
governance. The President and other high officials are
required to be Muslim, and Islamic values guide legislation
and policy.
6 Judicial Independence: The constitution
establishes an independent judiciary, headed by the Supreme
Court of Pakistan. It ensures judicial review and safeguards
the rights and liberties of citizens.
7 Directive Principles of State Policy: These
principles provide guidelines for the state to promote social
and economic justice, improve the standard of living, and
ensure the welfare of the people, consistent with Islamic
principles.
8 Amendment Procedure: The constitution outlines
a detailed procedure for its amendment, requiring significant
consensus among federal and provincial legislatures to
ensure stability and legitimacy.
9 Emergency Provisions: The constitution provides
for the declaration of states of emergency in certain
circumstances, balancing the need for national security with
safeguarding democratic principles and rights.
10 Role of President: The President of Pakistan acts
as the ceremonial head of state and performs certain
constitutional functions, such as appointing the Prime
Minister and approving legislation.
These features collectively shape the legal and political
framework of Pakistan, aiming to establish a democratic,
federal, and Islamic state that respects the rights and values
of its diverse population.

The Constitution of 1973 of Pakistan incorporates several

Islamic provisions, reflecting the country's status as an
Islamic Republic and its commitment to Islam as the state
religion. Here are the key Islamic provisions of the
constitution:

1. **Declaration of State Religion:** Article 2 of the

constitution declares Islam as the state religion of Pakistan. It
emphasizes that all laws shall be brought into conformity
with the teachings of Islam as laid down in the Quran and
Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad).

2. **Principles of Policy:** The constitution includes

Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 31), which guide
the state in framing laws and policies to promote social and
economic justice, ensure equitable distribution of wealth, and
adhere to Islamic principles.

3. **Rights of Minorities:** While Islam is the state

religion, the constitution ensures religious freedom and
protects the rights of religious minorities (Article 20).
Minorities have the right to freely profess and practice their
religions.

4. **Islamic Education:** The constitution encourages the

teaching of the Quran and Islamiat (Islamic studies) in
educational institutions (Article 22).

5. **Islamic Ideology Council:** The constitution

establishes the Council of Islamic Ideology (Article 230),
which advises the legislature whether a proposed law is
repugnant to Islam or not.

6. **President and Prime Minister:** The President and

Prime Minister must be Muslim (Article 41). They take an
oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of
Pakistan and uphold the Islamic ideology of Pakistan.

7. **Islamic Courts:** The constitution provides for the

establishment of Shariat Courts (Article 203D), which deal
with matters pertaining to Islamic law and jurisprudence
(Sharia) as applicable in Pakistan.

8. **Provisions Against Anti-Islamic Activities:** The

constitution prohibits any law that is repugnant to Islam
(Article 227) and allows the state to take steps to ensure
Islamic way of life and promote social justice and
eradication of social evils.

These provisions reflect Pakistan's commitment to Islam as a

guiding force in its legal and social framework while also
aiming to uphold principles of justice, equality, and religious
tolerance for all its citizens.