National Assembly of Pakistan

National Assembly of Pakistan. It is the lower house of the bicameral Parliament of Pakistan, which also includes the Senate of Pakistan. Established by the Constitution of Pakistan of 1973, it is the country's primary legislative body, with members directly elected by the people. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, as the head of government, is typically the leader of the largest party in this assembly and must maintain its confidence.

History

The assembly's origins trace back to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, which was formed after the Partition of India and enacted the Objectives Resolution in 1949. The first constitution was adopted by this body in 1956, establishing Pakistan as a republic. Following periods of martial law under Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan, the assembly was revived after the Bangladesh Liberation War. The current framework was established by the Constitution of Pakistan of 1973, drafted by a assembly led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Its history has been marked by intermittent suspensions, including during the military regimes of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf, with the Lawyers' Movement playing a key role in its restoration in 2008.

Composition and elections

The National Assembly comprises a total of 336 members, with 266 directly elected from single-member constituencies based on the First-past-the-post voting system. An additional 60 seats are reserved for women and 10 for non-Muslim minorities, allocated to political parties based on their proportional representation. Elections are governed by the Election Commission of Pakistan under the provisions of the Constitution of Pakistan. The delimitation of constituencies is based on the most recent national census, such as the 2017 Census of Pakistan. Major political parties contesting elections include the Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Peoples Party, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Powers and functions

The assembly holds significant constitutional authority, including the exclusive power to pass Money Bills related to taxation and expenditure. It exercises control over the executive through mechanisms like the Question Hour and can pass a Motion of No Confidence against the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The body is responsible for major legislative work, including the approval of the annual Finance Bill and the Federal Budget. It also has the power to amend the Constitution of Pakistan, which requires a two-thirds majority. Furthermore, it plays a role in the election of the President of Pakistan and can impeach the president for constitutional violations.

Leadership and committees

Presiding officers include the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, who are elected from among the members. The leader of the largest party or coalition typically becomes the Prime Minister of Pakistan and serves as the Leader of the House (Pakistan), while the largest opposition party designates the Leader of the Opposition (Pakistan). The assembly operates through a system of standing and special committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee and the Standing Committee on Finance, which scrutinize government departments and proposed legislation. These committees are crucial for detailed examination of bills and oversight of the Federal Government of Pakistan.

Building and facilities

The assembly convenes in the Parliament House located in the Constitution Avenue area of the federal capital, Islamabad. The building was designed by the renowned architect Edward Durell Stone and completed in 1986. It features a distinctive circular structure and houses the main assembly chamber, committee rooms, and offices for members and officials. The complex also includes the Senate of Pakistan chamber and extensive library facilities. Security for the precinct is managed by the Pakistan Army and Islamabad Police.

Current assembly

The 17th National Assembly of Pakistan was constituted following the 2024 Pakistani general election. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) was elected as the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan. The current Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, leads a coalition government comprising the Pakistan Muslim League (N), the Pakistan Peoples Party, and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan. The official opposition is led by Omar Ayub Khan of the Sunni Ittehad Council, which includes a bloc of candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Key legislative agendas have included negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and addressing economic challenges.