The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, is the supreme law of Pakistan. It establishes the structure of the federal government, guarantees fundamental rights to citizens, and defines the relationship between the Federation and the Provinces. The Constitution was adopted on 12 April 1973 and came into force on 14 August 1973. It has been amended several times, including the 18th Amendment (2010) and the 27th Amendment (2025).
Overview: The Constitution contains a Preamble, Twelve Parts, and 280 Articles. Part II contains Fundamental Rights (Articles 7-40), Part III defines the Federation (Articles 41-100), Part IV covers The Provinces (Articles 101-141), Part V covers Relations between Federation and Provinces (Articles 142-159), Part VI covers Finance (Articles 160-174), Part VII covers The Judicature (Articles 175-212), Part VIII covers Elections (Articles 213-226), Part IX covers Islamic Provisions (Articles 227-231), Part X covers Emergency Provisions (Articles 232-237), Part XI covers Amendment of the Constitution (Articles 238-239), and Part XII covers Miscellaneous provisions (Articles 240-280).
Part I - Introductory
Article 1 - Name and Sovereignty
(1) Pakistan shall be a federal republic known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
(2) All powers belong to the people, who shall exercise such powers through the federal and provincial democratic institutions and established constitutional mechanisms.
(3) Pakistan is an Islamic republic.
Article 2 - Religion of the State
Islam shall be the state religion of Pakistan.
Article 3 - Protection of Fundamental Rights
The people of Pakistan shall be afforded the fundamental rights and the supreme status of human dignity.
Article 4 - Equality before Law and Non-Discrimination
The State shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of sex, religion, caste, or any ground whatsoever.
Article 5 - Federal Identity
Pakistan shall be a federal democratic state.
Article 6 - Security of Life and Liberty
No person shall be deprived of life or liberty save in accordance with law.
Part II - Fundamental Rights and Principles of Policy
Key rights: Part II (Articles 7-40) establishes fundamental rights including equality, life and liberty, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, freedom of religion, the right to education, protection of women and minorities, and protection of the environment.
Article 7 - Right to Life and Personal Liberty
Every person shall have the right to life and personal liberty.
Article 8 - Freedom from Unlawful Search and Seizure
Every person shall have the right to be secure from unreasonable search and seizure.
Article 9 - Right to Freedom of Movement
Every person shall have the right to move freely throughout Pakistan and to reside and settle in any part thereof.
Article 10 - Right to Protection from Arbitrary Arrest
Every person arrested shall have the right to be informed of the grounds of arrest and the right to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.
Article 11 - Right to Fair Trial
Every person shall have the right to a fair trial before a competent court.
Article 12 - Right to Freedom of Speech, Expression, and Press
Every person shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and to hold opinions without interference.
Article 13 - Right to Freedom of Assembly
Every person shall have the right to assemble peacefully without arms.
Article 14 - Right to Freedom of Association
Every person shall have the right to form and join associations, unions, or societies.
Article 15 - Right to Education
Children shall have the right to education, and the State shall provide free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 16.
Article 16 - Right to Property
Every person shall have the right to own property in any part of Pakistan, subject to the provisions of the Constitution.
Article 17 - Right to Freedom of Religion
Every person shall have the right to profess, practice, and propagate his religion.
Article 18 - Right to Protection of Cultural Rights
The State shall protect and promote the cultural, linguistic, social, and educational heritage of the peoples of Pakistan.
Article 19 - Right to Protection of Women
The State shall provide for the advancement of women in all spheres of life and ensure their full participation and equality.
Article 20 - Right to Protection of Minorities
The State shall protect the rights of minorities in accordance with the Constitution.
Article 21 - Right to Protection of Children
The State shall provide special protection to children and shall not employ children under the age of 15 in any hazardous work.
Article 22 - Right to Protection of Workers
The State shall protect the rights of workers and shall provide social security and employment opportunities.
Article 23 - Right to Protection of Peasants
The State shall protect the rights of peasants and shall provide them with land and agricultural reforms.
Article 24 - Right to Protection of the Environment
The State shall protect the environment and shall provide for sustainable development.
Article 25 - Right to Protection of Health
The State shall provide for the provision of health services and facilities for all citizens.
Article 26 - Right to Protection of Social Justice
The State shall establish a social justice system based on the principles of equality, liberty, and fraternity.
Article 27 - Right to Protection of Economic Rights
The State shall provide for the protection of economic rights of citizens, including the right to work and the right to fair wages.
Article 28 - Right to Protection of Cultural Heritage
The State shall protect and preserve the cultural heritage of Pakistan.
Article 29 - Right to Protection of Educational Institutions
The State shall provide for the protection and improvement of educational institutions.
Article 30 - Right to Protection of National Integration
The State shall protect the unity and integrity of Pakistan.
Article 31 - Right to Protection of National Security
The State shall protect the national security of Pakistan.
Article 32 - Right to Protection of National Defense
The State shall provide for the defense of Pakistan and shall maintain a strong armed force.
Article 33 - Right to Protection of National Economy
The State shall protect the national economy and shall provide for economic development.
Article 34 - Right to Protection of Natural Resources
The State shall protect the natural resources of Pakistan and shall provide for their sustainable development.
Article 35 - Right to Protection of Human Rights
The State shall protect human rights and shall provide for their enforcement.
Article 36 - Right to Protection of Social Welfare
The State shall provide for social welfare and shall establish social security systems.
Article 37 - Right to Protection of Public Health
The State shall provide for public health and shall establish health services for all citizens.
Article 38 - Right to Protection of Education for All
The State shall provide for free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 16.
Article 39 - Right to Protection of Women Empowerment
The State shall empower women and shall provide for their participation in all spheres of life.
Article 40 - Right to Protection of Minorities
The State shall protect the rights of minorities and shall provide for their representation in all institutions.
Part III - The Federation of Pakistan
Overview: Part III (Articles 41-100) defines the President, the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), and the Federal Government.
Article 41 - President of Pakistan
(1) There shall be a President of Pakistan who shall be the Head of State and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Pakistan.
(2) The President shall be elected by the members of the Senate and the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
(3) The President shall hold office for a term of five years.
(4) The President shall be eligible for re-election.
Article 42 - Election of the President
The President shall be elected by the members of both Houses of Parliament in a joint sitting.
Article 43 - Term of Office
The President shall hold office for five years and may be re-elected.
Article 44 - Removal of President
The President may be removed from office by impeachment for violation of the Constitution.
Article 45 - Powers of President
The President has executive authority over the Federation and acts on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Article 46 - Federal Government
The Federal Government consists of the Prime Minister and Federal Ministers.
Article 47 - Prime Minister
There shall be a Prime Minister of Pakistan who shall be the head of government.
Article 48 - Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament)
There shall be a Parliament consisting of the President and two Houses: the Senate and the National Assembly.
Article 49 - National Assembly
The National Assembly consists of members elected on the basis of population from each province.
Article 50 - Senate
The Senate consists of members elected by the Provincial Assemblies to provide equal provincial representation.
Article 51 - Composition of National Assembly
The National Assembly shall consist of general seats and reserved seats for women and non-Muslims.
Article 52 - Composition of Senate
The Senate shall consist of members from each province, the federal capital, and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
Article 53 - Legislative Powers
Parliament has the power to make laws for the whole or any part of Pakistan.
Article 54 - Amendment Power
Parliament may amend the Constitution by passing a Bill with a two-thirds majority.
Article 55 - Money Bills
Money Bills shall originate in the National Assembly.
Article 56 - Duration of Parliament
The National Assembly shall continue for five years unless sooner dissolved.
Article 57 - Speaker and Deputy Speaker
Each House shall elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker from among its members.
Article 58 - Dissolution
The President may dissolve the National Assembly on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Article 59 - Functions of Parliament
Parliament shall legislate, approve the budget, and oversee the executive.
Article 60 - Privileges
Members of Parliament shall have freedom of speech in Parliament.
Article 61 - Disqualification
A person shall be disqualified from being a member of Parliament under specified conditions.
Article 62 - Qualifications
A person shall be qualified to be elected as a member of Parliament if he meets specified conditions.
Article 63 - Defection
A member of Parliament who defects from his political party shall lose his seat.
Article 64 - Oath
Every member shall take an oath before assuming office.
Article 65 - Salary
Members of Parliament shall receive salaries and allowances.
Article 66 - Procedure
Parliament shall regulate its own procedure.
Article 67 - Joint Sitting
A joint sitting of both Houses may be called to resolve deadlocks.
Article 68 - Federal Constitutional Court
Reference to the Federal Constitutional Court established by the 27th Amendment.
Article 69 - Introduction of Bills
A Bill may originate in either House of Parliament.
Article 70 - Passage of Bills
A Bill passed by both Houses shall be presented to the President for assent.
Article 71 - Mediation Committee
[Omitted]
Article 72 - Rules of Procedure
The President may make rules for joint sittings of Parliament.
Article 73 - Language
Business in Parliament shall be conducted in Urdu and English.
Article 74 - Voting
Questions in Parliament shall be decided by a majority of votes.
Article 75 - Quorum
One-fourth of the total membership shall constitute a quorum.
Article 76 - Ordinances
The President may promulgate Ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
Article 77 - Assent
The President shall give assent to Bills passed by Parliament.
Article 78 - Federal Constitutional Court Reference
Reference to the Federal Constitutional Court in parliamentary proceedings.
Article 79 - Committees
Parliament may constitute committees for specific purposes.
Article 80 - Financial Bills
Financial Bills require the recommendation of the President.
Article 81 - Federal Constitutional Court
Reference to the Federal Constitutional Court in executive matters.
Article 82 - Appointments
The President shall make appointments on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Article 83 - Removal
Officials may be removed from office under specified conditions.
Article 84 - Immunity
The President shall have immunity from legal proceedings.
Article 85 - Resignation
The President may resign by writing to the Speaker of the National Assembly.
Article 86 - Vacancy
In case of vacancy, the Chairman of the Senate shall act as President.
Article 87 - Acting President
An Acting President shall perform the functions of the President.
Article 88 - Oath of President
The President shall take an oath before the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
Article 89 - Salary of President
The President shall receive salary and allowances as determined by law.
Article 90 - Executive Authority
Executive authority of the Federation shall be exercised by the Federal Government.
Article 91 - Cabinet
The Cabinet shall consist of the Prime Minister and Federal Ministers.
Article 92 - Federal Ministers
Federal Ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Article 93 - Federal Constitutional Court
Reference to the Federal Constitutional Court in advisory matters.
Article 94 - Federal Public Service Commission
There shall be a Federal Public Service Commission.
Article 95 - Attorney General
There shall be an Attorney General for Pakistan.
Article 96 - Advocate General
There shall be an Advocate General for Pakistan.
Article 97 - Auditor General
There shall be an Auditor General of Pakistan.
Article 98 - Civil Servants
Civil servants shall serve the Federation under specified conditions.
Article 99 - Armed Forces
The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Article 100 - Federal Constitutional Court
Reference to the Federal Constitutional Court in executive decisions.
Part IV - The Provinces
Overview: Part IV (Articles 101-141) defines Provincial Governments, Provincial Assemblies, Governors, Chief Ministers, and local government.
Article 101 - Governor of a Province
There shall be a Governor for each province who shall be the head of the province and the representative of the federal government.
Article 102 - Provincial Assembly
There shall be a Provincial Assembly for each province consisting of elected members.
Article 103 - Functions of Provincial Assembly
The Provincial Assembly shall have the power to make laws for the province.
Article 104 - Speaker of Provincial Assembly
There shall be a Speaker of the Provincial Assembly who shall preside over the Assembly.
Article 105 - Chief Minister
There shall be a Chief Minister of the province who shall be the head of the provincial government.
Article 106 - Provincial Ministers
There shall be Provincial Ministers who shall assist the Chief Minister.
Article 107 - Provincial Cabinet
There shall be a Cabinet of the province which shall be responsible for administration.
Article 108 - Provincial Consolidated Fund
There shall be a Provincial Consolidated Fund into which all revenues shall be paid.
Article 109 - Provincial Budget
The Governor shall present the annual budget to the Provincial Assembly.
Article 110 - Legislative Powers of Province
The Provincial Assembly shall have the power to make laws for the province.
Article 111 - Executive Powers of Province
The executive power of the province shall be exercised by the Governor.
Article 112 - Judicial Powers of Province
The judicial power of the province shall be exercised by the High Court.
Article 113 - Local Government
There shall be a local government in each province.
Article 114 - Local Government Laws
The Provincial Assembly shall have the power to make laws for local government.
Article 115 - Local Councils
There shall be Local Councils consisting of Municipal Councils and District Councils.
Article 116 - Municipal Councils
There shall be Municipal Councils in each city consisting of elected representatives.
Article 117 - District Councils
There shall be District Councils in each district consisting of elected representatives.
Article 118 - Functions of Local Government
The local government shall have the power to make laws for local areas.
Article 119 - Local Government Finance
There shall be a Local Government Fund into which all revenues shall be paid.
Article 120 - Local Government Budget
The local government shall present the annual budget to the Provincial Assembly.
Article 121 - Local Government Powers
The local government shall have the power to make laws for local areas.
Article 122 - Local Government Executive Powers
The executive power of the local government shall be exercised by local authorities.
Article 123 - Local Government Judicial Powers
The judicial power of the local government shall be exercised by local courts.
Article 124 - Local Government Administration
The local government shall have the power to administer local areas.
Article 125 - Local Government Services
The local government shall have the power to provide services for local areas.
Article 126 - Local Government Infrastructure
The local government shall have the power to develop infrastructure for local areas.
Article 127 - Local Government Housing
The local government shall have the power to provide housing for local areas.
Article 128 - Local Government Health Services
The local government shall have the power to provide health services for local areas.
Article 129 - Local Government Education
The local government shall have the power to provide education for local areas.
Article 130 - Local Government Sanitation
The local government shall have the power to provide sanitation for local areas.
Article 131 - Local Government Transport
The local government shall have the power to provide transport for local areas.
Article 132 - Local Government Communication
The local government shall have the power to provide communication for local areas.
Article 133 - Local Government Utilities
The local government shall have the power to provide utilities for local areas.
Article 134 - Local Government Recreation
The local government shall have the power to provide recreation for local areas.
Article 135 - Local Government Security
The local government shall have the power to provide security for local areas.
Article 136 - Local Government Justice
The local government shall have the power to provide justice for local areas.
Article 137 - Local Government Welfare
The local government shall have the power to provide welfare for local areas.
Article 138 - Local Government Development
The local government shall have the power to provide development for local areas.
Article 139 - Local Government Planning
The local government shall have the power to plan for local areas.
Article 140 - Local Government Budgeting
The local government shall have the power to budget for local areas.
Article 140A - Local Government in Tribal Areas
There shall be a local government in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
Part V - Relations between Federation and Provinces
Overview: Part V (Articles 142-159) covers the distribution of legislative powers, administrative relations, the Council of Common Interests, and the National Economic Council.
Article 141 - Extent of Federal and Provincial Laws
The laws made by Parliament and the Provincial Assembly shall have equal force within their respective jurisdictions.
Article 142 - Subject-matter of Federal and Provincial Laws
Parliament shall have the power to make laws for the whole country, while the Provincial Assembly shall have the power to make laws for the province.
Article 143 - Inconsistency between Federal and Provincial Law
In case of inconsistency between a Federal law and a Provincial law, the Federal law shall prevail.
Article 144 - Power of Parliament to legislate by consent
Parliament may make laws for one or more provinces by consent with the Provincial Assembly concerned.
Article 145 - President to direct Governor
The President may direct the Governor to discharge certain functions as his agent.
Article 146 - Federation to confer powers on Provinces
The Federation may confer powers on the Provinces in certain cases.
Article 147 - Provinces to entrust functions to Federation
The Provinces may entrust functions to the Federation in certain cases.
Article 148 - Obligation of Provinces and Federation
The Provinces and the Federation shall be bound by their obligations.
Article 149 - Directions to Provinces
The President may issue directions to the Provinces in certain cases.
Article 150 - Full faith and credit
Full faith and credit shall be given to the public acts of the Federation and the Provinces.
Article 151 - Inter-Provincial trade
Inter-Provincial trade shall be regulated by Parliament.
Article 152 - Acquisition of land
The Federation may acquire land for Federal purposes.
Article 152A - Omitted
[Omitted]
Article 153 - Council of Common Interests
There shall be a Council of Common Interests to resolve disputes between the Federation and the Provinces.
Article 154 - Functions and rules of procedure
The Council of Common Interests shall have the power to make rules of procedure.
Article 155 - Complaints as to interference with water supplies
Complaints as to interference with water supplies may be made to the Council of Common Interests.
Article 156 - National Economic Council
There shall be a National Economic Council to coordinate economic policies between the Federation and the Provinces.
Article 157 - Electricity
Electricity shall be regulated by the Federation.
Article 158 - Priority of requirements of natural gas
The requirements of natural gas shall have priority over other requirements.
Article 159 - Broadcasting and telecasting
Broadcasting and telecasting shall be regulated by the Federation.
Part VI - Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits
Overview: Part VI (Articles 160-174) covers the National Finance Commission, borrowing, the Auditor-General, and property and contracts.
Article 160 - National Finance Commission
There shall be a National Finance Commission to recommend the distribution of revenues between the Federation and the Provinces.
Article 161 - Natural gas and hydro-electric power
Natural gas and hydro-electric power shall be developed by the Federation.
Article 162 - Prior sanction of President
The President shall sanction Bills affecting taxation in which the Provinces are interested.
Article 163 - Provincial taxes
The Provinces may levy taxes in respect of professions, etc.
Article 164 - Grants out of Consolidated Fund
The Federation may make grants out of the Consolidated Fund to the Provinces.
Article 165 - Exemption from taxation
Certain public property shall be exempt from taxation.
Article 165A - Tax on income of corporations
Parliament may impose tax on the income of certain corporations.
Article 166 - Borrowing by Federal Government
The Federal Government may borrow money.
Article 167 - Borrowing by Provincial Government
The Provincial Government may borrow money.
Article 168 - Auditor-General of Pakistan
There shall be an Auditor-General of Pakistan who shall audit the accounts of the Federation and the Provinces.
Article 169 - Functions of Auditor-General
The Auditor-General shall have the functions and powers to audit accounts.
Article 170 - Power to give directions as to accounts
The Auditor-General may give directions as to accounts.
Article 171 - Reports of Auditor-General
The Auditor-General shall submit reports to the President.
Article 172 - Ownerless property
Ownerless property shall vest in the Federation.
Article 173 - Power to acquire property
The Federation and the Provinces may acquire property and make contracts.
Article 174 - Suits and proceedings
Suits and proceedings shall be brought in the name of the Federation and the Provinces.
Part VII - The Judicature
Overview: Part VII (Articles 175-212) covers the Supreme Court, High Courts, Federal Shariat Court, and the Supreme Judicial Council. The 27th Amendment (2025) established the Federal Constitutional Court.
Article 175 - Establishment and jurisdiction of courts
There shall be a Supreme Court of Pakistan, High Courts, and other courts established by law.
Article 175A - Appointment of Judges
The judges of the Supreme Court, High Courts, and the Federal Shariat Court shall be appointed by the President.
Article 176 - Constitution of Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Pakistan shall consist of a Chief Justice and such other judges as may be provided for by law.
Article 177 - Appointment of Supreme Court Judges
The judges of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the President.
Article 178 - Oath of Office
Every judge shall take the oath of office.
Article 179 - Retiring age
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall retire at the age of 65, and other judges at the age of 62.
Article 180 - Acting Chief Justice
In the absence of the Chief Justice, an Acting Chief Justice shall be appointed.
Article 181 - Acting Judges
Acting judges may be appointed in the absence of a judge.
Article 182 - Appointment of ad-hoc Judges
Ad-hoc judges may be appointed for specific cases.
Article 183 - Seat of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Pakistan shall have its seat in Islamabad.
Article 184 - Original Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction over matters relating to the Constitution.
Article 185 - Appellate jurisdiction
The Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction over the decisions of the High Courts.
Article 186 - Advisory Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court shall have advisory jurisdiction over questions referred to it by the President.
Article 186A - Transfer of cases
The Supreme Court may transfer cases from one High Court to another.
Article 187 - Issue and execution of processes
The Supreme Court may issue processes for the enforcement of its orders.
Article 188 - Review of judgments
The Supreme Court may review its own judgments.
Article 189 - Decisions binding on other Courts
The decisions of the Supreme Court shall be binding on all other courts.
Article 190 - Action in aid of Supreme Court
The President may take action in aid of the Supreme Court.
Article 191 - Rules of procedure
The Supreme Court may make rules of procedure.
Article 192 - Constitution of High Court
A High Court shall consist of a Chief Justice and such other judges as may be provided for by law.
Article 193 - Appointment of High Court Judges
The judges of the High Court shall be appointed by the President.
Article 194 - Oath of Office
Every judge shall take the oath of office.
Article 195 - Retiring age
The Chief Justice of the High Court shall retire at the age of 62, and other judges at the age of 60.
Article 196 - Acting Chief Justice
In the absence of the Chief Justice, an Acting Chief Justice shall be appointed.
Article 197 - Additional Judges
Additional judges may be appointed in the High Court.
Article 198 - Seat of the High Court
The High Court shall have its seat in the capital of the province.
Article 199 - Jurisdiction of High Court
The High Court shall have jurisdiction over the province.
Article 200 - Transfer of High Court Judges
The President may transfer judges of the High Court.
Article 201 - Decision of High Court binding
The decisions of the High Court shall be binding on all other courts.
Article 202 - Rules of procedure
The High Court may make rules of procedure.
Article 203 - High Court to superintend
The High Court shall superintend all subordinate courts.
Article 203A - Provisions to override
The provisions of this Chapter shall override other provisions of the Constitution.
Article 203B - Definitions
In this Chapter, definitions shall be as provided.
Article 203C - The Federal Shariat Court
There shall be a Federal Shariat Court.
Article 203CC - Omitted
[Omitted]
Article 203D - Powers, jurisdiction and functions
The Federal Shariat Court shall have powers, jurisdiction and functions as provided by law.
Article 203DD - Revisional jurisdiction
The Federal Shariat Court shall have revisional and other jurisdiction as provided by law.
Article 203E - Powers and procedure
The Federal Shariat Court shall have powers and procedure as provided by law.
Article 203F - Appeal to Supreme Court
Appeals from the Federal Shariat Court may be made to the Supreme Court.
Article 203G - Bar of jurisdiction
The Federal Shariat Court shall have bar of jurisdiction as provided by law.
Article 203GG - Decision binding
The decisions of the Federal Shariat Court shall be binding on the High Court and courts subordinate to it.
Article 203H - Pending proceedings
Pending proceedings before the Federal Shariat Court shall continue.
Article 203J - Power to make rules
The Federal Shariat Court may make rules.
Article 204 - Contempt of Court
Every court shall have power to punish contempt of court.
Article 205 - Remuneration of judges
The judges shall be paid salaries and allowances.
Article 206 - Resignation
A judge may resign.
Article 207 - Judge not to hold office of profit
A judge shall not hold any office of profit.
Article 208 - Officers and servants of Courts
Every court shall have officers and servants.
Article 209 - Supreme Judicial Council
There shall be a Supreme Judicial Council.
Article 210 - Power of Council
The Supreme Judicial Council may enforce attendance of persons.
Article 211 - Bar of jurisdiction
The Supreme Judicial Council shall have bar of jurisdiction.
Article 212 - Administrative Courts and Tribunals
Administrative Courts and Tribunals shall be established by law.
Article 212A - Omitted
[Omitted]
Article 212B - Omitted
[Omitted]
Part VIII - Elections
Overview: Part VIII (Articles 213-226) covers the Chief Election Commissioner, the Election Commission, electoral laws, and conduct of elections.
Article 213 - Chief Election Commissioner
There shall be a Chief Election Commissioner.
Article 214 - Oath of Office
The Chief Election Commissioner shall take oath of office.
Article 215 - Term of office
The Chief Election Commissioner shall hold office for a term of five years.
Article 216 - Commissioner not to hold office of profit
The Chief Election Commissioner shall not hold any office of profit.
Article 217 - Acting Commissioner
In the absence of the Chief Election Commissioner, an Acting Commissioner shall be appointed.
Article 218 - Election Commission
There shall be an Election Commission.
Article 219 - Duties of Commission
The Election Commission shall have the duty to conduct elections.
Article 220 - Executive authorities to assist Commission
The executive authorities shall assist the Election Commission.
Article 221 - Officers and staff
The Election Commission shall have officers and staff.
Article 222 - Electoral laws
Electoral laws shall be made by Parliament.
Article 223 - Bar against double membership
No person shall be a member of more than one house of Parliament.
Article 224 - Time of Election and bye-election
Elections to the houses of Parliament shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Article 224A - Resolution by Committee
[Resolution by Committee or Election Commission]
Article 225 - Election dispute
Election disputes shall be referred to the Election Commission.
Article 226 - Elections by secret ballot
Elections shall be held by secret ballot.
Part IX - Islamic Provisions
Overview: Part IX (Articles 227-231) covers provisions relating to the Holy Quran and Sunnah and the Islamic Council.
Article 227 - Provisions relating to the Holy Quran and Sunnah
The provisions relating to the Holy Quran and Sunnah shall be observed.
Article 228 - Composition of Islamic Council
There shall be an Islamic Council.
Article 229 - Reference to Islamic Council
References may be made by Parliament to the Islamic Council.
Article 230 - Functions of the Islamic Council
The Islamic Council shall have the functions as provided by law.
Article 231 - Rules of procedure
The Islamic Council may make rules of procedure.
Part X - Emergency Provisions
Overview: Part X (Articles 232-237) covers the proclamation of emergency, suspension of fundamental rights, and financial emergency.
Article 232 - Proclamation of emergency
The President may proclaim a state of emergency on account of war, internal disturbance, or any other situation threatening the security of Pakistan.
Article 233 - Power to suspend Fundamental Rights
During the period of emergency, the President may suspend the fundamental rights of individuals.
Article 234 - Failure of Constitutional machinery
The President may issue a Proclamation in case of failure of constitutional machinery in a Province.
Article 235 - Proclamation in case of financial emergency
The President may proclaim a state of financial emergency.
Article 236 - Revocation of Proclamation
The President may revoke any Proclamation of emergency.
Article 237 - Laws of indemnity
Parliament may make laws of indemnity during the period of emergency.
Part XI - Amendment of Constitution
Overview: Part XI (Articles 238-239) covers the amendment of the Constitution.
Article 238 - Amendment of Constitution
The Constitution may be amended by Parliament in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Article 239 - Constitution amendment Bill
A Bill to amend the Constitution shall be passed by Parliament by a two-thirds majority of its total membership.
Part XII - Miscellaneous
Overview: Part XII (Articles 240-280) covers services, armed forces, tribal areas, general provisions, interpretation, commencement, repeal, and transitional provisions.
Article 240 - Appointments to service of Pakistan
The President may make appointments to the service of Pakistan.
Article 241 - Existing rules to continue
Existing rules shall continue until repealed.
Article 242 - Public Service Commission
There shall be a Public Service Commission.
Article 243 - Command of Armed Forces
The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Pakistan.
Article 244 - Oath of Armed Forces
The members of the Armed Forces shall take the oath of office.
Article 245 - Functions of Armed Forces
The Armed Forces shall maintain the security and integrity of Pakistan.
Article 246 - Tribal Areas
The Federally Administered Tribal Areas shall be governed in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Article 247 - Omitted
[Omitted]
Article 248 - Protection to President, Governor, Minister
The President, Governor, and Ministers shall have protection.
Article 249 - Legal proceedings
Legal proceedings shall be instituted in the name of the President, Governor, or Minister.
Article 250 - Salaries of President
The President, Governor, and Ministers shall be paid salaries, allowances, and benefits.
Article 251 - National language
The national language of Pakistan shall be Urdu.
Article 252 - Special provisions for ports and aerodromes
Special provisions shall be made in relation to major ports and aerodromes.
Article 253 - Maximum limits as to property
There shall be maximum limits as to property.
Article 254 - Failure to comply with time requirement
Failure to comply with requirement as to time does not render an act invalid.
Article 255 - Oath of Office
Every person holding office shall take the oath of office.
Article 256 - Private armies forbidden
Private armies shall be forbidden.
Article 257 - State of Jammu and Kashmir
The provisions relating to the State of Jammu and Kashmir shall be made by law.
Article 258 - Government of territories outside Provinces
The government of territories outside provinces shall be made by law.
Article 259 - Awards
Awards shall be made by the President.
Article 260 - Definitions
In this Part, definitions shall be as provided.
Article 261 - Person acting in office
A person acting in office shall not be regarded as successor to previous occupant of office.
Article 262 - Gregorian calendar
The Gregorian calendar shall be used.
Article 263 - Gender and number
Gender and number shall be as provided.
Article 264 - Effect of repeal of laws
The effect of repeal of laws shall be as provided.
Article 265 - Title of Constitution and commencement
The title of the Constitution shall be the Constitution of Pakistan, and it shall come into force on the 23rd day of March, 1973.
Article 266 - Repeal
All previous constitutions and all laws inconsistent with the Constitution shall be repealed.
Part XII, Chapter 7 - Transitional Provisions
Article 267 - Power of President to remove difficulties
The President may make such provisions as may be necessary for the removal of difficulties.
Article 267A - Power to remove difficulties
The President may make such provisions as may be necessary for the removal of difficulties.
Article 267B - Removal of doubt
Any doubt regarding the interpretation of the Constitution shall be referred to the Federal Constitutional Court.
Article 268 - Continuance in force of laws
Laws in force shall be continued and adapted to the Constitution.
Article 269 - Validation of law
Any law, act, or thing which may be in conflict with the Constitution shall be validated.
Article 270 - Temporary validation of certain laws
Certain laws may be temporarily validated until replaced by new laws.
Article 270A - Affirmation of President's Orders
The President's Orders and other executive actions shall be affirmed.
Article 270AA - Declaration and continuance of laws
The declaration and continuance of laws shall be as provided by law.
Article 270B - Elections to be deemed
Elections shall be deemed to be held under the Constitution.
Article 270BB - General Elections 2008
The General Elections 2008 shall be held in accordance with the Constitution.
Article 271 - First National Assembly
The First National Assembly shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Article 272 - First Senate
The First Senate shall be constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Article 273 - First Provincial Assembly
The First Provincial Assembly shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Article 274 - Vesting of property
Property, assets, rights, liabilities and obligations shall be vested in the appropriate authority.
Article 275 - Continuance in office
Persons in the service of Pakistan shall continue in office until their terms expire.
Article 276 - Oath of first President
The first President shall take oath of office.
Article 277 - Transitional financial provisions
Transitional financial provisions shall be made by Parliament.
Article 278 - Accounts not audited
Accounts shall be audited before the commencing day.
Article 279 - Continuance of taxes
Taxes in force shall continue until repealed.
Article 280 - Continuance of Proclamation of Emergency
Any Proclamation of Emergency shall continue until revoked.
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