Salient Features of 1973 Constitution MCQs with Answers & Explanations

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, originally contained six schedules. Over time, through various constitutional amendments, the number of schedules has been adjusted. As of the current legal status, the Constitution includes seven schedules that provide supplementary details regarding oaths, election procedures, and other administrative matters essential to the functioning of the state.

Article 51 of the Constitution of Pakistan provides for the composition of the National Assembly, including seats reserved for women and non-Muslims. Article 106 provides for the composition of the Provincial Assemblies, also detailing reserved seats for these groups. These constitutional provisions ensure proportional representation and inclusivity within the legislative bodies of Pakistan, as referenced in the Elections Act.

To address the linguistic diversity of the country at the time, the 1956 Constitution declared both Urdu and Bengali as the national languages of Pakistan. This was a significant constitutional recognition aimed at balancing the cultural and linguistic aspirations of both East and West Pakistan.

Historically, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) did not have specific reserved seats for women in the National Assembly. Following the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the representation structure was integrated into the provincial and national frameworks, but there was no separate quota for women specifically designated for the FATA region under the previous constitutional arrangement.

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was passed by the National Assembly on April 10, 1973, and received the assent of the President on April 12, 1973. However, it officially came into force on August 14, 1973, marking the transition to a parliamentary form of government and establishing the current constitutional framework for the nation.

The First Schedule of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, is divided into two parts. It deals with laws that are exempted from the operation of Article 8(1) and (2), which relate to fundamental rights. These laws are protected from being challenged on the grounds of inconsistency with fundamental rights.

The Objectives Resolution, which serves as the preamble to the Constitution, envisions Pakistan as a nation that contributes to international peace and progress while serving as a model of Islamic democracy and unity for the broader Muslim world.

Article 59 of the Constitution of Pakistan provides the composition of the Senate. While the number of seats has evolved through various constitutional amendments, Article 59 remains the primary provision governing the structure, membership, and distribution of seats within the Senate of Pakistan.

Article 256 of the Constitution of Pakistan strictly prohibits the formation of any private organization capable of functioning as a military organization. This provision is designed to ensure that the state maintains a monopoly on the legitimate use of force and to prevent the rise of paramilitary groups that could threaten national stability.

The Constitution of Pakistan provides for reserved seats for women in the National Assembly, which are allocated to political parties based on their proportional representation in the general seats. For the province of Sindh, there are 14 seats reserved for women, ensuring their participation in the legislative process at the federal level.

The 1956 Constitution of Pakistan was a comprehensive legal document consisting of 234 articles organized into 13 distinct parts. It provided the foundational legal structure for the state, covering fundamental rights, directive principles, and the organization of the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

Article 248 of the Constitution of Pakistan grants the President, Governors, and Ministers immunity from legal proceedings for acts done in the exercise of their official powers. This protection ensures that the head of state can perform their constitutional duties without the threat of litigation. Note: The source explanation incorrectly referenced the Constitution of India; however, Article 248 is the correct provision within the Pakistani context.

The Objectives Resolution was moved by Liaquat Ali Khan and adopted by the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on March 12, 1949. It serves as the guiding document for the constitutional development of the country, reflecting the aspirations of the people for an Islamic democratic state.

Article 5 of the 1973 Constitution stipulates that loyalty to the State is the basic duty of every citizen. Furthermore, obedience to the Constitution and the law is the inviolable obligation of every citizen wherever he may be and of every other person for the time being within Pakistan.

Article 242 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan specifically mandates the establishment of a Public Service Commission for the Federation and for each Province. This constitutional provision ensures that recruitment to civil services and posts is conducted through an independent and merit-based body, thereby upholding the principles of transparency and administrative efficiency within the government structure.

Article 172 of the Constitution of Pakistan explicitly defines the ownership of property and resources. It stipulates that any property which has no rightful owner, including lands, minerals, and other valuable resources located within the continental shelf or underlying the ocean beyond the territorial waters of Pakistan, shall vest in the Federal Government, thereby securing national control over these vital economic assets.

The Objectives Resolution explicitly states that the independence of the judiciary shall be fully secured. This provision is fundamental to the constitutional framework of Pakistan, ensuring that the courts can function without external pressure or interference, thereby upholding the rule of law.

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, as originally enacted, consisted of 280 Articles divided into 12 parts and 6 schedules. While subsequent amendments have modified, added, or repealed certain articles, the original structure was defined by these 280 articles.

Article 251 of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 explicitly establishes Urdu as the national language of the country. It mandates that arrangements be made for its use for official and other purposes within fifteen years from the commencing day. This provision serves to unify the nation through a common linguistic medium while respecting the regional languages of the provinces.

Article 72 of the Indian Constitution actually grants the President the power to grant pardons. The provided answer 'A' (Article 45) is factually incorrect regarding the Indian Constitution. This conflict is noted as the source material provided an incorrect reference.