Understanding Executive branch in Pakistan, its Structure and Function
Discover the role of the Executive Branch in Pakistan’s government as defined by the 1973 Constitution. Learn about its structure, key functions, and how it shapes the political landscape of Pakistan.
| Feature | President | Prime Minister | Notes |
| Overall Role | Head of State, representing national unity and ceremonial functions. Holds significant executive powers, particularly in defense and foreign policy. | Head of Government, responsible for day-to-day governance and policy implementation. Leads the Cabinet and maintains the confidence of the legislature. | This arrangement reflects a semi-presidential system, with power shared between the President and Prime Minister. The specific balance of power can vary depending on the political context and personalities involved. |
| Selection | Elected by an Electoral College comprising members of federal and provincial legislatures. | Elected by the National Assembly, reflecting the majority party or coalition. | The President’s indirect election suggests a desire to balance popular representation with regional interests. The Prime Minister’s election by the Assembly ensures they have the support of the legislature. |
| Term of Office | Fixed term (duration not specified in provided information). | Contingent on maintaining the confidence of the National Assembly. Subject to removal through a vote of no confidence. | The President’s fixed term provides stability, while the Prime Minister’s dependence on the Assembly ensures accountability to the legislature. |
| Key Powers and Responsibilities | |||
| Legislative | * Summons, prorogues, addresses, and sends messages to Parliament. * Assents to or vetoes bills passed by Parliament. * Promulgates ordinances when Parliament is not in session. | * Proposes legislation and sets the government’s legislative agenda. * Oversees the passage of government bills through Parliament. * Must maintain support for government policies within the Assembly. | The President’s legislative powers provide checks and balances on the legislature, while the Prime Minister’s role focuses on actively steering the legislative agenda. |
| Executive | * Appoints key officials, including the Prime Minister (in certain circumstances, like a hung parliament), Cabinet Ministers (on the advice of the Prime Minister), Governors, judges, and heads of various commissions. * Exercises discretionary powers in specific areas, potentially including foreign policy and national security. * Can dismiss the Prime Minister under certain circumstances (details not provided). | * Leads and directs the Cabinet, coordinating policy development and implementation. * Responsible for the day-to-day administration of government functions. * Keeps the President informed on all matters of internal and external policy and legislative proposals. | The President’s power to appoint key officials and dismiss the Prime Minister gives them significant influence, while the Prime Minister has the authority to direct the daily operations of government. |
| Military | Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. | Likely involved in shaping national security policy, but specific details are unclear from the provided information. | The President’s role as Commander-in-Chief grants them authority over the military, while the Prime Minister’s involvement in national security likely focuses on policy and strategy. |
| Emergency Powers | Can declare a state of emergency, granting potentially broad powers to address crises. | Role in managing emergencies likely, but the specifics are unclear from the information provided. | The President’s ability to declare a state of emergency grants them significant power during times of crisis, while the Prime Minister’s role likely involves coordinating the government’s response. |
| Dissolution of the National Assembly | Can dissolve the National Assembly, either on the advice of the Prime Minister or on their own initiative in specific circumstances (e.g., if a no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister succeeds, but no successor can be found). | Can advise the President to dissolve the National Assembly. | The power to dissolve the Assembly is a significant tool that can be used strategically, either to resolve political deadlocks or to capitalize on favorable political conditions. |
| Removal from Office | Can be removed from office through impeachment by Parliament for violations of the Constitution. Can also be removed due to physical or mental incapacity, although the specific process is unclear. | Subject to removal through a vote of no confidence by the National Assembly. | The different removal processes reflect the distinct nature of the President’s fixed-term, symbolically significant role versus the Prime Minister’s more directly accountable position. |
| Accountability | Ultimately accountable to the electorate, but only indirectly through the Electoral College. Also subject to constitutional constraints and judicial review. | Directly accountable to the National Assembly and must maintain its confidence to remain in office. | The President’s accountability is more diffuse, while the Prime Minister faces more immediate and direct scrutiny from the legislature. |