Pakistan’s parliamentary democracy operates through a bicameral federal legislature called the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament). The constitution that was passed unanimously by the National Assembly in 1973 provides a federal parliamentary system of government, with:
* The President as the head of the state.
* An elected Prime Minister as the head of the government.
* The people of Pakistan electing the members of the National Assembly and the Provincial Assemblies through free vote in accordance with law to represent us and manage in accordance with our aspirations and constitution.
#### **What is Parliament?**
In Pakistan, the Parliament consists of:
1. **The President of Pakistan:** The President is the Head of state and represents the unity of the republic as he is chosen by a secret ballot through an Electoral College comprising the members of the Senate, National Assembly, and the Provincial Assemblies. The President is one of the three entities comprising the Parliament. A person who is a Muslim, not less than 45 years of age, and qualified to be elected as a member of the National Assembly can contest the Presidential election. The President is elected for a term of 5 years. It is the duty of the Chief Election Commissioner to conduct elections to the office of the President in a special session of Parliament and all of the Provincial Assemblies in accordance with provisions of the second schedule to the constitution.
2. **The Federal Legislature:** This is the bicameral Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), comprising two houses:
* **The National Assembly:** 336 elected members of National Assembly or MNAs.
* **The Senate:** 96 senators, elected by an electoral college comprising members of the National and Provincial Assemblies.
#### **What Does Parliament Do?**
Parliament is responsible for making and changing the laws of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and for checking (scrutinizing) the work of Government (Executive).
* The Parliament makes laws to bring about desired social changes in the behavior of its citizens.
* The Parliament debates, reviews, and approves decisions regarding policies drafted by the government and matters of National Interest.
* Through debates, adjournment motions, question hour, and standing committees, the Parliament keeps a check on the government. It ensures the government functions within the parameters set out in the constitution and does not violate the people’s fundamental rights.
* Parliament scrutinizes public spending and exercises control of expenditure incurred by the government through the work of the relevant standing committees. The Public Accounts Committee has a special role to review the report of the Auditor General.
* The Parliament manages and resolves any internal crisis and conflicts.
* Only the parliament can amend the constitution by a two-third majority vote separately in each House.
#### **Why Do We Need Parliament?**
We all have a say in how our Pakistan is run. We do this by electing our members of the National Assembly—the part of Parliament which has the greatest political power. The expertise and independence of members of the Senate complement the work of the National Assembly and ensure the greater participation of all federating units of the country in running it.
#### **Significance in the Parliamentary System**
* **Checks and Balances:** The dual chamber setup prevents the concentration of absolute power in the lower house or executive branch.
* **National Harmony:** The Senate ensures that smaller federating units feel secure and equally represented in federal decision-making, which is vital for the stability of a diverse federation.
#### **The Federal Legislature (The Parliament)**
Unlike the constitutions of 1956 and 1962, the 1973 constitution provided for a bicameral system. From the standpoint of checks and balances, the second chamber is considered very useful and has a restraining as well as a sobering effect on the other chamber.
The 1973 constitution is distinguishable from earlier constitutions particularly in two respects: the federation now had four provinces or federating units rather than the earlier two, and the principle of parity had ceased to be effective. Thus, in the chamber of the people (the National Assembly), where representation is made on a population basis, small provinces like Balochistan would be meagerly represented. Therefore, the upper house or the house of the states/provinces was given a greater voice and larger role in national affairs. The upper house thus becomes a bulwark for the protection of smaller provinces against the brute majority commanded by the larger provinces in the lower house. This situation is all the more pronounced in Pakistan, where one province—Punjab—holds an absolute majority of the people and the other three provinces together are in a minority. Thus, a unicameral system would necessarily result in the dominance of Punjab, making a bicameral system a necessity.
Members of the National Assembly were to be elected under an electoral system provided for by Parliament, encompassing the system of joint electorate. A person was entitled to vote for the National Assembly and Provincial Assembly if they were a citizen of Pakistan, not less than 18 years old, not declared by a court to be of unsound mind, and had their name on an electoral roll.
A candidate for election to the National Assembly had to be at least 25 years of age and qualified to vote. No one was allowed to be a member simultaneously of a federal house and a Provincial Assembly. The National Assembly elects its speaker from amongst its members in its first meeting, with a five-year term unless dissolved earlier.
The Senate was originally designed to consist of sixty-three members (later expanding to 96), with members elected from each province by the members of the Provincial Assembly of that province in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote, alongside representation from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the Federal Capital. The Senate was meant to be a permanent house not subject to dissolution, with a member term of four years, with half retiring every two years. Like the National Assembly, the Senate elects its Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
The President is empowered to summon and prorogue Parliament. There must be at least two sessions of the National Assembly each year, with not more than 120 days intervening between any two sessions, alongside similar provisions for the Senate. Every Federal Minister, Minister of State, and the Attorney General has the right to speak and take part in proceedings of either house but lacks voting rights unless they are a member of that House.
#### **Recommendations: Proposals for Strengthening Democratic Governance and Youth Participation**
* **Establishment of Institutional Youth Advisory Committees:** Federal and provincial legislative assemblies should establish youth advisory organs affiliated with parliamentary committees to serve as official channels for youth feedback on social, economic, and political legislation.
* **Restoration of Regulated Student Unions and Campus Elections:** Reinstate regulated, non-violent student unions in tertiary education institutions to cultivate democratic values, leadership capabilities, and political leadership at the grassroots level.
* **Expansion of Legislative Fellowships and Internships:** Expand merit-based fellowship and internship initiatives across parliamentary secretariats through institutions like PIPS to train young professionals in policy research, legislative drafting, and parliamentary proceedings.
#### **Conclusion: The Role of Youth and Parliamentary Institutions in Pakistan’s Democratic Future**
With over 60% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, the sustainability of the nation's democratic governance relies on transitioning youth from passive onlookers into active civic participants. Structural exclusion, political cynicism, and limited institutional access continue to challenge this democratic demographic. However, targeted institutional reforms present an opportunity to build a transparent, accountable, and resilient parliamentary culture.
The institutional engagement fostered by the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS)—particularly through initiatives and capacity-building seminars hosted on the International Day of Democracy—underscores the vital role of civic education in bridging the gap between young citizens and the Parliament of Pakistan. By upholding constitutional principles, embracing the democratic value of “agreeing to disagree,” and engaging directly with parliamentary procedures, youth leadership can strengthen democratic continuity and drive meaningful governance reforms across the country.
References:
* Constitutional and political history of Pakistan by Hamid Khan.
* Content from Research book of PIPS.
---
Ayyan Ahmed - Member, Pakistan Youth Parliament, Student
Loading page…