Politics of Pakistan

Lore & Background

The government consists of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is led by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, independent of the bicameral parliament, which comprises the Senate (upper house) and National Assembly (lower house). The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court as the apex court, along with high courts and inferior courts, tasked with interpreting the Constitution and federal laws. The president, who must be Muslim, retains residual powers such as the right to pardon and the ability to suspend or moderate sentences, and serves as ex officio chair of the National Security Council.

Reader's Guide

Pakistan is a multiparty democracy where political parties compete for seats in the National and Provincial assemblies. The armed forces have historically played an influential role, staging coups from the 1950s to 2000s, but this influence has declined since 2008. No Prime Minister of Pakistan has ever completed a full tenure.

Did You Know?

• The Senate is a permanent legislative body that cannot be dissolved by the president, with equal representation from each of the four provinces.
• About 5 per cent of National Assembly seats are reserved for minorities, including Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs.
• The prime minister is appointed by members of the National Assembly through a vote and assisted by a Federal Cabinet whose members are appointed by the president on the prime minister's advice.