Salient Features of 1973 Constitution MCQs with Answers & Explanations

Article 62 of the Constitution of Pakistan (1973) outlines the specific qualifications for membership in the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament). It mandates that a person must be a citizen of Pakistan, of a certain age, and possess good character, among other requirements, to be eligible for election or nomination to the National Assembly or the Senate.

The word 'Representatives' appears frequently within the Constitution of Pakistan, particularly in articles related to the composition of the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies. With 15 letters, it is widely cited in legal trivia as the longest word contained within the constitutional document. This highlights the formal and representative nature of the democratic institutions established by the 1973 Constitution.

The Objectives Resolution declares that sovereignty over the entire universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust, exercised through their chosen representatives.

The Objectives Resolution, passed by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, serves as the Preamble to the 1973 Constitution. It sets forth the foundational vision for the state, emphasizing sovereignty belonging to Allah and the democratic principles to be practiced by the people of Pakistan.

The Third Schedule of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, provides the forms of oaths for various constitutional offices, including the President, the Prime Minister, Federal Ministers, and members of the Parliament. It ensures that those assuming high office formally commit to upholding the Constitution.

Article 1 defines the territories of Pakistan. While the text has evolved due to the merger of FATA into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the original constitutional text listed the provinces, the Federal Capital, and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

Pakistan operates under a multi-party system, where numerous political parties compete for power at both the federal and provincial levels. This structure allows for a diverse range of political ideologies and interests to be represented in the legislative bodies, preventing the dominance of a single party and encouraging coalition-building in governance.

Article 251 of the Constitution of Pakistan explicitly states that the national language of Pakistan is Urdu. It further mandates that arrangements shall be made for its use for official and other purposes within fifteen years from the commencing day of the Constitution.

Article 5 of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan establishes the loyalty to the State and obedience to the Constitution and law as the basic duty of every citizen. It emphasizes that loyalty to the State is the fundamental obligation of every citizen, and obedience to the Constitution and law is the inviolable obligation of every citizen wherever they may be.

Article 1, Clause 1 of the 1973 Constitution formally designates the country as the 'Islamic Republic of Pakistan'. This title reflects the constitutional commitment to Islamic principles and the ideological foundation upon which the state was established.

The Senate of Pakistan is designed to provide representation to professionals and experts. According to the constitutional provisions, four seats are reserved for technocrats, including ulema, in each province. This ensures that the upper house benefits from specialized knowledge and expertise in legislative deliberations and policy-making processes.

In the Constitution of 1973, the President of Pakistan is bound to act upon the advice of both the Cabinet (headed by the Prime Minister) and the Prime Minister himself. This dual advice ensures coordination between the executive branches of government.

The 1973 Constitution designates the President as the head of state, representing the nation both domestically and internationally. The Prime Minister, on the other hand, is the head of government, responsible for leading the executive branch.

Article 1 of the Constitution of Pakistan (1973) explicitly defines the country's official name as the 'Islamic Republic of Pakistan'. This designation reflects the country's constitutional commitment to Islamic principles within a republican framework, establishing the state's identity as both a sovereign republic and one deeply rooted in the values of Islam as the state religion.

Article 2A was inserted into the 1973 Constitution via the Eighth Amendment. It elevates the Objectives Resolution from a mere preamble to a substantive part of the Constitution, meaning its principles are now enforceable and carry the same legal weight as other constitutional provisions.

The Objectives Resolution provides that the Muslims of Pakistan shall be enabled to order their lives in the individual and collective spheres in accordance with the teachings and requirements of Islam as set out in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah.

Historically, the total strength of the National Assembly was 342 members, comprising general seats, seats reserved for women, and seats reserved for non-Muslims. Note that recent constitutional amendments and census-based delimitations may alter this figure, but 342 remains the traditional reference point.

The Constitution of 1973 was passed by the National Assembly on April 10, 1973, received the assent of the President on April 12, 1973, and was subsequently published in the official Gazette of Pakistan on the same day, April 12, 1973.

The Constitution of 1956 was enacted by the Constituent Assembly in the name of the people of Pakistan. This reflected the democratic principle that sovereignty resides with the people, who delegate their authority to the state through the constitutional framework.

The Second Schedule of the Constitution of Pakistan outlines the specific procedure for the election of the President of Pakistan. It details the composition of the electoral college, the method of voting, and the rules governing the conduct of the presidential election, ensuring a structured and constitutional process for the selection of the Head of State.