Political Structure of Pakistan

Type of Government: Federal parliamentary republic
Constitution: The current constitution was adopted in 1973, providing a framework for governance and citizens' rights.
Executive Branch:
- President:
  - Head of state, indirectly elected by an electoral college.
  - Ceremonial role with some constitutional powers (e.g., appointing the Prime Minister).
- Prime Minister:
  - Head of government, elected by the National Assembly.
  - Holds executive powers and is responsible for running the government and implementing policies.
Legislative Branch:
- Bicameral Parliament:
  - National Assembly:
    - Lower house with members elected directly by the public.
    - Responsible for making laws and approving budgets.
  - Senate:
    - Upper house with members elected by provincial assemblies.
    - Represents the provinces and protects their interests.
Judicial Branch:
- Supreme Court:
  - Highest court, ensures the constitution is upheld.
  - Has the power of judicial review.
- High Courts:
  - Each province has a high court that handles appeals and constitutional matters.
- Lower Courts:
  - Handle civil and criminal cases at the district level.
Provincial Government:
- Provinces: Pakistan has four provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan).
- Each province has its own government with a Chief Minister, elected by the provincial assembly.
- Provincial assemblies have legislative powers over local matters.
Local Government:
- Administrative structure at the district and tehsil (sub-district) levels.
- Local bodies are elected and responsible for local administration and development.
Political Parties:
- Multi-party system with major parties including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
- Political parties play a significant role in the electoral process and governance.
Election Process:
- General elections are held every five years.
- The Election Commission of Pakistan oversees the conduct of elections.
- Voter eligibility: Citizens aged 18 and above.
Challenges:
- Political instability, corruption, and issues related to governance.
- Security concerns and influence of military in politics.
Devolution of Power:
- Efforts have been made to decentralize power to enhance local governance and accountability, notably through the Local Government Acts.

Political Structure of Pakistan

Government Type: Operates as a federal parliamentary republic.
Constitution: Established in 1973, it outlines governance guidelines and citizens’ rights.

Executive Branch

President:
- Serves as head of state, chosen through an electoral college.
- Holds a ceremonial role with specific constitutional powers, including the appointment of the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister:
- Acts as the head of government, elected by the National Assembly.
- Wields executive power, overseeing government operations and policy implementation.

Legislative Branch

Bicameral Parliament:
- National Assembly:
  - The lower house, with members directly elected by the populace.
  - Responsible for lawmaking and budget approval.
- Senate:
  - The upper house, with members elected by provincial assemblies.
  - Focuses on representing provincial interests and safeguarding their rights.

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court:
- The apex judicial authority, ensuring constitutional adherence and executing judicial reviews.
High Courts:
- Each province has its own high court, dealing with appeals and constitutional matters.
Lower Courts:
- Handle civil and criminal cases within districts.

Provincial Government

Provinces: Comprises four main provinces—Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.
Each province features its own government led by a Chief Minister, elected from the provincial assembly.
Provincial assemblies possess legislative authority over local issues.

Local Government

Manages administrative functions at district and sub-district (tehsil) levels.
Elected local bodies are tasked with local administration and development initiatives.

Political Parties

Characterized by a multi-party system, with significant entities like Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Political parties are integral to both the electoral framework and governance processes.

Election Process

General elections take place every five years, ensuring regular democratic participation.
The Election Commission of Pakistan is responsible for overseeing election conduct.
Voter eligibility extends to all citizens aged 18 and above.