UPDATE: A Legal Research Guide to Pakistan

By Omar Sial
Update by Omar Sial & Farah Khan
Omar Sial is a partner in the law firm of Omar Sial & Associates, Advocates and Counselors-
at-Law.
Farah Khan, BA.LLB.MSC (Criminology) is an Advocate of the High Courts in Pakistan,
associate at M/s M. Ilyas Khan & Associates, a law firm in Pakistan known for the practice in
Criminal Law.
Table of Contents
 1. Introduction
 2. Location
 3. Constitutional and Parliamentary History
 4. Government
o 4.1. National Assembly
o 4.2. Senate
o 4.3. President
o 4.4. Prime Minister
o 4.5. Provincial Governments
o 4.6. Local Governments
 5. Administration of Law and Justice
 6. The Court System
o 6.1. Supreme Court of Pakistan
o 6.2. High Courts of Pakistan
o 6.3. Shariat Court
o 6.4. Civil Courts
o 6.5. Criminal Courts
o 6.6. Special Courts and Tribunals
o 6.7. The Ombudsman (Wafaqi Mohtasib)
o 6.8. Jirga
 7. Legal Research
1. Introduction
Pakistan emerged as an independent State on August 14, 1947. Pakistan is divided into four
provinces - Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. The tribal belt adjoining
Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa is managed by the Federal Government and is named FATA, i.e.,
Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have their own
respective political and administrative machinery, yet certain subjects are taken care of by
the Federal Government. Islamabad is the federal capital. Over 97 per cent of the country's
population is Muslim. Basic Facts on Pakistan.
2. Location
Located in South Asia, Pakistan shares an eastern border with India and north-eastern
border with China. Iran lies along the country’s southwest border, and Afghanistan runs
along its western and northern borders. The southern boundary of Pakistan is made up of
the 1,064 km coastline of the Arabian Sea.
The total area of the country is 796,095 square km, which is nearly four times the size of the
United Kingdom. From Gwadar Bay in its southeastern corner, the country extends more
than 1,800 km to the Khunjerab Pass on China’s border. See the Pakistan’s Political Map.
3. Constitutional and Parliamentary History
The Muslims of India had, since the middle of the nineteenth century, begun the struggle for
a separate homeland on the basis of the two Nation theory. The British rulers realized that
the Hindus and Muslims of India remained two separate and distinct nations and socio-
cultural entities. The British rulers were left with no option but to eventually accept the
demand of the Muslims of India.
On 3rd June 1947, Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, called the conference of all
the leaders of the Sub-continent and communicated to them his Government's Plan for the
transfer of power. At that time, a notification was issued in the Gazette of India, published
on 26th July 1947 in which the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was given shape with
69 Members (later on the membership was increased to 79), including one female Member.
The State of Pakistan was created under the Independence Act of 1947. The Act made the
existing Constituent Assemblies, the dominion legislatures. These Assemblies were allowed
to exercise all the powers which were formerly exercised by the Central Legislature, in
addition to the powers regarding the framing of a new Constitution, prior to which all
territories were to be governed in accordance with the Government of India Act, 1935.
The first session of the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was held on 10th August 1947
at Sindh Assembly Building Karachi. On 11th August 1947 Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali
Jinnah was elected unanimously as the President of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan
and the National Flag was formally approved by the Assembly.
On 12th August 1947, a resolution was approved regarding officially addressing Mr.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah as "Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah". On the same day, a special
committee called the "Committee on Fundamental Rights of Citizens and Minorities of
Pakistan" was appointed to look into and advise the Assembly on matters relating to
fundamental rights of the citizens, particularly the minorities, with the aim to legislate on
these issues appropriately. On 14th August 1947, the Transfer of Power took place. Lord
Mountbatten, Governor General of India, addressed the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
The Quaid gave a reply to the address in the House, on which the principles of the State of
Pakistan were laid. On 15th August 1947, Quaid-i-Azam was sworn in as the first Governor
General of Pakistan. Mian Sir Abdur Rashid, Chief Justice of Pakistan, administered oath of
office from him. The Quaid remained in this position till his death i.e. 11th September 1948.
The foremost task before the first Constituent Assembly is of framing the Constitution for
the nation. On 7th March 1949, the Objectives Resolution, which now serves as the ground
norm of Pakistan, was introduced by the first Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawabzada Liaquat
Ali Khan, and later adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 12th March 1949. On the same
day, a Basic Principles Committee comprising of 24 Members was formed to prepare a draft
Constitution on the basis of the Objectives Resolution. On 16th October 1951, Prime
Minister Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan, mover of the Objective Resolution, was assassinated
and Khawaja Nazimuddin took over as the Prime Minister on 17th October 1951.
The final draft of the Constitution was prepared in 1954. By that time, Muhammad Ali Bogra
had taken over as the Prime Minister. However, just before the draft could be placed in the
House for approval, the Assembly was dissolved by the then Governor General Ghulam
Muhammad on 24th October 1954. The Prime Minister was, however, not dismissed and
was asked to run the administration, with a reconstituted Cabinet, until such time as the
elections were held.
Maulvi Tamizuddin, President of the Assembly, challenged the dissolution in the Sindh Chief
Court, and won the case. The Government in return, went to the Federal Court, where the
famous judgment was given by the then Chief Justice Muhammad Munir, according to
which Maulvi Tamizuddin lost the case.
The second Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was created on 28th May 1955 under
Governor General's Order No.12 of 1955. The Electoral College for this Assembly was the
Provincial Assemblies of respective Provinces. The strength of this Assembly was 80
Members, half from East Pakistan and half from West Pakistan. One of the major decisions
taken by this Assembly was the establishment of West Pakistan (One Unit), with the aim to
create parity between the two wings (East and West Pakistan). This Assembly also achieved
its target by giving the first Constitution to the nation i.e. the Constitution of Pakistan 1956.
Choudhary Muhammad Ali was the Prime Minister at that time. The draft of this
Constitution was introduced in the Assembly on 9th January 1956 and was passed by the
Assembly on 29th February 1956. The assent was given on it by the Governor General on
2nd March 1956. This Constitution was enforced with effect from 23rd March 1956. Under
this Constitution, Pakistan became an Islamic Republic, hence 23rd March became our
Republic day. It was the same day in 1940 that the historic Pakistan Resolution was adopted
at Minto Park, Lahore.
On 5th March 1956, Major General Sikandar Mirza became the first elected President of
Pakistan. The 1956 constitution provides for Parliamentary form of government with all the
executive powers in the hands of Prime Minister. President was Head of the State and was
to be elected by all Members of the National and Provincial Assemblies. He was to hold
office for 5 years. The President was to act on the advice of Prime Minister, except where he
was empowered to act in his discretion.
Under 1956 Constitution, Parliament was unicameral. Legislative powers vested in the
Parliament, which consisted of the President and the National Assembly comprising 300
Members divided equally between East and West Pakistan. In addition to these 300 seats,
five seats were reserved for women for each of the two wings, for a period of ten years:
thus bringing the total membership of the House to 310.
However, in the absence of any law to control the Political Parties and the problem of floor
crossing, political instability perpetually ensued. Although the first general election was
scheduled for early 1959, President Sikandar Mirza abrogated the Constitution, dissolved
the National and Provincial Assemblies, and declared Martial Law, on 7th October 1958. He
appointed General Muhammad Ayub Khan, Commander-in-Chief of the Army, as the Chief
Martial Law Administrator.
On 27th October 1958, General Muhammad Ayub Khan took over as a second President of
Pakistan. One of the first major steps taken by General Ayub Khan was the appointment of a
Constitution Commission on 17th February 1960. The objective of this commission was to
submit proposals, as to how best democracy can be strengthened and molded according to
the country’s socio-political environment and Islamic principles of justice. The Commission
submitted its report to the government on 29th April 1961. On the basis of this report a new
Constitution was framed and given to the nation on 1st March 1962. General elections
under the new Constitution were held on 28th March 1962 and elections to the special seats
reserved for women were held on 29th May 1962. The first session of the third National
Assembly was held on 8th June 1962 at Ayub Hall, Rawalpindi.
The Constitution of 1962 envisaged a Federal State with Presidential form of government,
with National Assembly at the centre and the Provincial Assemblies in the Provinces. The
Legislatures, both at centre and in provinces were unicameral. The Federal system had been
curtailed by allowing the Provincial Governors to be appointed directly by the President. All
executive authority of the Republic of Pakistan, under the Constitution, vested in the office
of the President. President appointed his Cabinet members who were directly responsible to
him.
The electoral system was made indirect, and the “Basic Democrats”, for both wings were
declared Electoral College for the purpose of electing the Assemblies and the President.
Basic democrats were 80,000 in number (40,000 from each East & West Pakistan). The total
membership of the National Assembly was 156, one half of whom were to be elected from
East Pakistan and other half from West Pakistan, also three seats were reserved for women
from each province. The term of this Assembly was three years. The norm was established
that if the President was from West Pakistan, the Speaker was to be from East Pakistan and
vice versa. One of the major achievements of this Assembly was the passage of Political
Parities Act, 1962.
On 25th March 1969, the second Martial law was imposed and General Agha Muhammad
Yahya Khan took-over as the President of Pakistan and Chief Martial Law Administrator
(CMLA). He later issued a Legal Framework Order (LFO), under which the first ever general
elections were held on 7th December 1970. This was the first Assembly elected on the adult
franchise and population basis. It consists of 313 members, 169 from East Pakistan and 144
from West Pakistan including 13 reserved seats for women (6 were from West Pakistan and
7 from East Pakistan). Soon after the elections, due to grave political differences, the
Province of East Pakistan seceded from West Pakistan and became Bangladesh. On 20th
December 1971, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto took over as the President of Pakistan as well as the
first civil Chief Martial Law Administrator.
The first session of the National Assembly, due to the delay caused by the separation of East
Pakistan, was held on 14th April 1972 at the State Bank Building, Islamabad, in which all 144
Members from West Pakistan and two from former East Pakistan (Mr. Noor-ul-Amin and
Raja Tridev Roy who had chosen to join Pakistan) participated. On April 17, 1972, an Interim
Constitution was adopted by the National Assembly, which provided for a Presidential form
of Government. Under this Constitution, the National Assembly was not to be dissolved
earlier than 14th August 1973. The Interim Constitution dealt in detail with the distribution
of powers between the Centre and the Provinces.
The Assembly also formed a Constitution Committee on 17th April 1972 to prepare the first
draft for framing a Constitution. The report of the Committee was presented with a draft
Constitution on 31st December 1972. It was unanimously passed by the Assembly in its
session on 10th April 1973 and was authenticated by the President on 12th April 1973. This
Constitution, called the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, was
promulgated on 14th August 1973. On the same day, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto took oath as
the Prime Minister, while Mr. Fazal Illahi Choudhary took oath as the President of Pakistan.
The 1973 Constitution provides for a parliamentary form of government where the
executive authority of the state vests with the Prime Minister. The President, according to
the Constitution, is at the apex, representing the unity of the Republic.
From 1947 to 1973, the country had a unicameral system of legislature. Under the 1973
Constitution, Pakistan adopted bicameral system at the center, called “The Parliament”,
composing the President, the National Assembly and The Senate. Originally, the general
seats of the National Assembly were 200 with additional 10 seats reserved for women,
bringing the total strength to 210. The newly created Upper House i.e. the Senate had 63
members. Later in 1985, through a Presidential Order (P.O. No. 14 of 1985), seven seats
were added to the general seats and ten to the reserved seats for women in the National
Assembly. Ten seats were exclusively reserved for minorities to be filled through separate
electorate system. Thus, the total strength of the lower house reached to 237 members.
Similarly, the strength of Senate was also increased from 63 to 87.
Under the 1973 Constitution the National Assembly is elected for five-year term, unless
sooner dissolved. The seats in National Assembly, unlike the Senate, are allocated to each
province and other units of the federation, on the basis of population. The Constitutional
provision of 20 special seats for women lapsed in 1990, thus decreased the Assembly
strength from 237 to 217. Under the Constitution, elections to the 10 seats reserved for
minority were held on separate electorate basis.
Despite the tenure of the Assembly being five years, as prescribed in the Constitution, Mr. Z.
A. Bhutto, on 7th January 1977 announced the holding of elections before time.
Consequently, on 10th January 1977, he advised the President to dissolve the National
Assembly. Elections were held on 7th March 1977. The opposition charged the government
with rigging the elections to the National Assembly and thereafter boycotted the Provincial
Assemblies elections. Since the opposition had not accepted the National Assembly
elections result, they did not take oath. This resulted in severe political crisis and Martial
Law was imposed by the then Army Chief, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, on 5th July 1977.
On 24th December 1981, under Presidential Order (P.O.15 of 1981) a Federal Council
(Majlis-e-Shoora) was constituted by the President. Its members were nominated by the
President. The first session of this Council was held on 11th January 1982. In this way,
limited and controlled political activities were resumed, as a result of which general
elections were later held for the National and Provincial Assemblies on 25th February 1985,
on non-party basis.
On 2nd March 1985, the revival of Constitution Order (P.O.14 of 1985) was issued in which a
large number of amendments were made in the Constitution. The first session of the
National Assembly was held 20th March 1985. Mr. Muhammad Khan Junejo, was nominated
as the Prime Minister of Pakistan by the President (General Zia-ul-Haq). He received vote of
confidence on 24th March 1985.
In November 1985, the 8th Constitutional Amendment was adopted by the Parliament.
Besides changes in other Articles in the Constitution the significant Article 58(2)(b) was
added, according to which the President acquired discretionary powers to dissolve the
National Assembly. On 29th May 1988 the Assembly was dissolved by the President by using
the power acquired under Article 58(2)(b).
The General elections for the eighth National Assembly was held on 16th November 1988.
The first session was convened by the President on 30th November 1988. Mr. Miraj Khalid
was elected as a Speaker National Assembly on 3rd December 1988. Mohtarma Benazir
Bhutto was nominated as Prime Minister of Pakistan and took the oath of the Office on 2nd
December 1988. The Assembly was dissolved by the President, Ghulam Ishaq Khan under
Article 58(2)(b) on 6th August 1990.
The General elections for the ninth National Assembly was held on 24th October 1990. The
first session was held on 3rd November 1990. Mr. Gohar Ayub Khan elected as Speaker
National Assembly and he took oath on 4th November 1990. Mian Muhammad Nawaz
Sharif took oath as Prime Minister of Pakistan on 11th November, 1993. The Assembly was
dissolved by the then President, Ghulam Ishaq Khan, under Article 58(2)(b) on April 18,
1993. The dissolution of the National Assembly was challenged in the Supreme Court of
Pakistan and after hearing the case the Assembly was restored by the apex court on May 26,
1993. The Assembly was dissolved on the advice of the Prime Minister on July 18, 1993.
The elections for tenth National Assembly was held on October 6, 1993. The first session
was held on October 15, 1993. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani took oath of the office of the
Speaker National Assembly on October 17, 1993. Mohtarma Benizar Bhutto administered
the oath as Prime Minister of Pakistan on October 19th October 1993. The Assembly was
dissolved by the President Farooq Ahmad Khan Laghari on November 5, 1996.
The elections for eleventh National Assembly was held on 3rd February 1997. The first
session was held on 15th February 1997. Mr. Illahi Bukhsh Soomro took oath of the office of
the Speaker National Assembly on 16th February 1997. Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif took
oath as Prime Minister of Pakistan and Leader of the House on 17th February 1997. The new
Assembly came into power with an overwhelming majority. The Article 58(2)(b) was later on
omitted from the Constitution vide 13th Amendment in the Constitution in April 1997.
It may be pertinent to note at this point that while, ostensibly, sixteen amendments have
been made in the Constitution so far, the ninth and the eleventh Constitutional
Amendments were, however, passed by the Senate alone and fifteenth by the National
Assembly alone, hence these amendments lapsed. The fourteenth Amendment in the
Constitution empowered a check on floor crossing of legislators.
Chief of Army Staff General Pervaz Musharraf, who was also Chairman Joint Staff
Committee, took over the government from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and declared
himself as Chief Executive through a Proclamation of Emergency, on October 12, 1999.
Through Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) issued on October 14, 1999, he held the
Constitution in abeyance, suspended the Senate, National and Provincial Assemblies,
Chairman and Deputy Chairman Senate, Speaker, Deputy Speaker National and Provincial
Assemblies and dismissed the Federal and Provincial governments. The President Mr.
Muhammad Rafiq Tarar was, however allowed to continue in his office. Under PCO (order
No. 6) 29th October 1999, (as amended by C.E. Order No.5, 4th July 2001), the National
Security Council was established for the purpose to tender advice to the Chief Executive
(later on President), on matters relating to Islamic ideology, national security, sovereignty,
integrity and solidarity of Pakistan so as to achieve the aims and objective as enshrined in
the Objectives Resolution 1949.
Syed Zafar Ali Shah, MNA and Illahi Bukhsh Soomro, Speaker National Assembly, challenged
the suspension orders in the Supreme Court. The Court in its judgment on 12th May 2000
validated the military takeover by giving three years’ time frame to the government, starting
from October 12, 1999. The Court in its judgment asked the government to complete its
agenda and then hand over powers to the elected government. The court also allowed the
military government to bring necessary Constitutional Amendments, provided that those
should not change the basic feature of Federal Parliamentary democracy, independence of
judiciary and Islamic provisions in the Constitution. The court reserved the right of Judicial
Review and power of validity of any act or any action of the government, if challenged, in
the light of State necessity.
On 20th June 2001, through a notification (C.E. Order No.1) the Chief Executive assumed the
office of the President of Pakistan under President's Succession Order, 2001. On the same
day, through another Order (C.E. Order No. 2, 2001), the President converted the orders of
suspension of legislative bodies and their presiding officers, in to dissolution.
The elections for twelfth National Assembly was held on 10th October 2002. The inaugural
session of the National Assembly was held on November 16, 2002 and Ch. Amir Hussain and
Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob were elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively on
November 19, 2002. Mir Zafar ullah Jamali was elected Leader of the House on November
21, 2002. Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain gave the ruling on June 14, 2003 that LFO is the
part of the Constitution of Pakistan. On this issue, Opposition Parties submitted a resolution
for vote of no confidence against Speaker National Assembly on June 20, 2003 which was
rejected on June 28, 2003.
National Assembly of Pakistan expressed confidence in the leadership of President General
Pervez Musharraf through the resolution on January 1, 2004. President General Pervez
Musharraf addressed the Joint Session of the Parliament on January 17, 2004. Prime
Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali resigned from his office on June 26, 2004. Chaudhry
Shujaat Hussain was elected the 21st Prime Minister of Pakistan on June 29, 2004 and
obtained a vote of confidence from the National Assembly on June 30, 2004. Mr. Shaukat
Aziz was elected the Leader of the House on August 27, 2004 and was administered oath of
the Prime Minister of Pakistan on August 28, 2004. National Assembly of Pakistan
completed its Constitutional tenure on November 15, 2007. After the resignation from the
post of Chief of Army Staff, Mr. Pervez Musharraf administered the oath of President of
Islamic Republic of Pakistan on November 29, 2007. More on constitutional history of
Pakistan, see Constitutional History of Pakistan, ZKLawAssociates (last visited November, 26,
2017).
More on Mushraff era in Pakistan, see History of Pakistan (Sept. 8, 2009). In 2008, he
resigned from the office of the President to escape the impeachment. One of the major
reasons for the resignation of the then President was the Lawyers Movement which was
headed by the ex-Chief Justice of the Pakistan, Mr. Ifthkhar Choudhry. He was removed
from his office unconstitutionally by Mr. Pervaiz Musharraf in his tenure. The
unconstitutional removal of the Chief Justice followed by another PCO, which resulted in
removal of all the judges in the Supreme Court and the High Courts, refused to take oath
under the PCO.
These judges were also house arrested for a period of one year. The situation got worst
when the Supreme Judicial Council declared the removal of the Chief Justice arbitrary and
unconstitutional; despite of that he was not reinstated at his position. The lawyers of the
community came out on the roads for the supremacy of constitution and law. The pressure
was built on the government, and there was no option left for Pervaiz Musharraf to
reinstate the Chief justice and resign as the President.
In the year 2014 the State of Pakistan, after a judgment of the Sindh High Court filed a
Petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan to initiate proceedings of High treason against
Pervaiz Musharraf, as the Martial law imposed by Gen. Musharaf was declared to be
unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, therefore his acts of putting the
constitution in abeyance is an act of treason. This Petition was accepted and a special bench
consisting of members of judges from each province was constituted. Pervaiz Musharaff on
account of his continued absences and prolonged stay abroad was declared a proclaimed
absconder. The proceedings are still pending.
The date of next General Election was fixed for January 28, 2008. After the assassination of
Muhatarma Benazir Bhutto on December 27, 2007, date of election was rescheduled for
February 18, 2008. The first session of the National Assembly was held on 17th March 2008.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza and Mr. Fasial Karim Kundi were elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker of
the National Assembly respectively on March 19, 2008. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani was elected
the Prime Minister of Pakistan by the House on March 24, 2008 and unanimously obtained
the Vote of Confidence from the House on March 29, 2008. Mr. Pervez Musharraf submitted
his resignation from his office to the Speaker National Assembly on August 18, 2008 and Mr.
Asif Ali Zardari was elected 13th President of Pakistan for next five years on September 6,
2008. He addressed the Joint Session of the Parliament on September 20, 2008.
During his address to the Joint Session of the Parliament on March 28, 2009, President Asif
Ali Zardari asked the Speaker National Assembly to form a Committee of both Houses for
the purpose of proposing amendments in the Constitution in the light of Charter of
Democracy (COD). After consultation with the leadership of all political parties in the
Parliament, Speaker National Assembly announced the Constitutional Reforms Committee
(CRC) on April 29, 2009.
After the marathon consultation in 77 meetings, CRC under the Chairmanship of Senator
Raza Rabbani presented report of the Committee on 18th Amendment in the Constitution to
the Speaker National Assembly on March 31, 2010. The historic 18th Constitutional
Amendment was presented and passed by the National Assembly on April 8, 2010 and
Senate on April 15, 2010 respectively. After the assent of the President on April 19, 2010,
18th Amendments became part of Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. 19th
Amendment was passed by the National Assembly on December 22, 2010 and Senate on
December 30, 2010, respectively. 19th Amendment became part of the Constitution after
the assent of the President Asif Ali Zardari on January 1, 2011. 20th Amendment was passed
unanimously by National Assembly and Senate on February 20, 2012.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani was disqualified from April 26, 2012 by the Order of the Supreme
Court of Pakistan on June 19, 2012. Raja Pervez Ashraf was elected the Prime Minister of
Pakistan on June 22, 2012 by the National Assembly and administered oath of the Office of
the Prime Minister of Pakistan on same day.
On June 4, 2013, Mian Nawaz Sharif was elected the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a five-
year term. Mr. Mamnoon Hussain was elected President of Pakistan on July 30, 2013 and
took charge of office on August 9, 2013. These elections were accused of being rigged,
Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf, which emerged as the second most successful political party in the
elections. Imran Khan, Chairman Pakistan tehreek-i-insaf announced protest throughout the
country and demanded re-election. While these protests were ongoing, the Panama papers
were leaked in 2016. This leak has changed the face of politics in Pakistan, demands of re-
elections took a drastic change and the slogan of Go Nawaz Go was being chanted in every
street of Pakistan. This was the first time in the history of Pakistan that a sitting Prime
Minister was involved in corruption charges, a movement against the Prime Minister was
initiated across Pakistan, which was mainly headed by the Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-
insaf, the manifesto of the movement was that the Prime Minister should resign.
This however was not an easy fight for Imran Khan and his alliance, a petition against the
Prime Minister’s disqualification was filed by Jamat-i-islami (another religious-political group
in Pakistan) wherein it was prayed to the Court that Supreme Court disqualify the Prime
Minister as he does not fulfill the Qualifications of being the member of the house as
provided under the Article 61 and 62 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
After this petition, several other petitions were filed in the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice
of Pakistan amalgamated all the petitions and a larger bench was constituted for deciding
whether the Prime Minister should be disqualified or not. The bench of Supreme Court was
a five-member bench, after a lengthy hearing, two of the members were of the opinion that
the Prime Minister should be disqualified under the charges of corruption, whereas the
remaining three were of the opinion that a commission should be constituted where both
the parties can bring evidence for their claim and then the Supreme Court makes any
judgment. Due to the majority opinion a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was constituted,
where the petitioners and defendants adduce their evidence, the JIT in the conclusion
declares the Prime Minster and other Defendants guilty of corruption, misuse of power,
forgery and fabrication of evidence.
The Supreme Court considering the report of the JIT declares that the Prime Minister cannot
be the member of the Parliament, as he does not fulfill the qualifications stated in the
Article 62 and 63 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and therefore
disqualified as the member of the National Assembly. As such, he is no longer competent to
remain the Prime Minster of the Country. This historical decision of the Supreme Court was
announced just a year before the general elections. For more information, see Sune Engel
Rasmussen, Pakistani Court Removes PM Nawaz Sharif from Office in Panama Papers
Case, The Guardian (July 28, 2017). The cabinet was dissolved, and a new cabinet took oath
under the Prime Minister of Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
4. Government
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan provides for a Federal Parliamentary
System of government, with the President as the Head of State and the popularly elected
Prime Minister as Head of government. Pakistan has a three-tier structure of government
i.e. Federal (consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate); Provincial (consisting of
the Provincial Assemblies of each Province) and Local (consisting of local governments at the
grass root levels in each Province).
Pakistan Government: This is the official portal website for the Government of Pakistan and
acts as a services gateway for citizens, non-citizens and businesses dealing with the
Government. Information about the Government's ministries, divisions and departments,
official publications like the Gazette of Pakistan, downloadable and printable forms for the
citizens, and a government directory are some of the features of this site. It also features
news updates, tender notices and job vacancies. Categories of its information and services
gateways include agriculture, business, citizenship and immigration, culture, district
governments education, employment, environment, health, housing and real estate
information and media, law, overseas Pakistanis, public utilities, regulations, religious
affairs, safety and security, science and technology, sports, tourism and travel, weather and
women.
4.1. National Assembly
The National Assembly has an edge over the Senate by legislating exclusively on money
matters. With exception to money Bills, however, both Houses work together to carry out
the basic work of the Parliament, i.e. law making. The Bill relating to the Federal Legislative
List can be originated in either House. If the House passed the Bill through majority vote, it
shall be transmitted to the other House. If the other House passes it without amendment, it
shall be presented to the President for assent.
If the Bill, transmitted to the other House, is not passed within ninety days or rejected, it
shall be considered in a joint sitting to be summoned by the President on the request of the
House in which the Bill was originated. If the Bill is passed in the joint sitting, with or without
amendments, by the votes of majority of the members of the two Houses, it shall be
presented to the President for assent.
If the Bill is presented to the President for assent, he shall assent to the Bill in no later than
ten days. If it is not a Money Bill, the President may return the Bill to the Majlis-e-Shoora
with a message requesting that the Bill be reconsidered and that an amendment specified in
the message be considered. The Majlis-e-Shoora shall reconsider the Bill in a joint sitting. If
the Bill is passed again, with or without amendment, by vote of the majority of the
members present and voting, it shall be presented to the President and the President shall
give his assent within ten days; failing which such assent shall be deemed to have been
given.
Under the Constitution, the Parliament may also legislate for two or more Provinces by
consent and request made by those Provinces. If the Federal Government proclaims State of
Emergency in any province, the power to legislate about that province is vested in the
Parliament. But the Bills passed by the Parliament during the State of Emergency, shall
cease to be in force after the expiration of six months from the date Emergency is lifted.
Nevertheless, the steps already taken under these Acts shall remain valid.
In exercises of its constitutional role, the Parliament also has other very important duties to
perform. The President, who is at the apex, is elected by members of both Houses of the
Parliament and the Provincial Assemblies. The Prime Minister, who heads the Cabinet and is
meant to aid and advise the President in his functions, belongs to the National Assembly. He
enjoys the confidence of the majority of the members of the National Assembly. Members
of the Cabinet are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
In the formation of the Cabinet, the major portion (75%) goes to National Assembly while
the rest (25%) are taken from the Senate.
There is a democratic procedure to remove the Prime Minister from his office if he loses
confidence of the majority of the members of the National Assembly. In this respect, a
resolution for a vote of no-confidence is moved by not less than 20% of the total
membership of the National Assembly. If the resolution is passed by majority of the total
membership of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister immediately relinquished
powers.
Similarly, for the removal or impeachment of the President, not less than one-half of the
total membership of either House may give in writing its intention to do so, to the Speaker
National Assembly, or, as the case may be, to the Chairman Senate, for moving a resolution
for the purpose. In a joint sitting of the two Houses, convened for the purpose, and after the
deliberations, if the resolution is passed by the votes of not less than two thirds of the total
membership of the Parliament, the President shall cease to hold office immediately on the
passing of the resolution.
In case emergency is proclaimed, the Parliament holds the authority to extend the term of
the National Assembly. Under the Constitution, the Parliament may also, on the request of
the Federal Government, by law, confer functions upon officers or authorities subordinate
to the Federal Government.
4.2. Senate
The main purpose for the creation of the Senate of Pakistan was to give equal
representation to all the federating units since the membership of the National Assembly
was based on the population of each province. Equal provincial membership in the Senate,
thus, balances the provincial inequality in the National Assembly and dispels doubts and
apprehension, if any, regarding deprivation and exploitation.
The role of the Senate is to promote national cohesion and harmony and to alleviate fears of
the smaller provinces regarding domination by any one province because of its majority, in
the National Assembly. The Senate, is a body which represents the provinces/territories of
the country and promotes a feeling of equality, peace and harmony, which is so essential for
the growth and prosperity of a nation. Thus, the Senate in Pakistan, over the years, has
emerged as an essential organ and a stabilizing factor of the federation.
4.3. President
The President is elected by members of both Houses of the Parliament and the Provincial
Assemblies. The President may be removed from office or impeached through a resolution,
passed by not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the Parliament in a joint
sitting of the two Houses, convened for the purpose. The President in Pakistan is the symbol
of Federation unity. The President is not the member of the Parliament. He is the head of
the state, the commander of the armed forces, a symbol of national integrity and honor.
In case the office of the President becomes vacant for any reason, the Chairman, or if he is
unable to perform the functions of the office of the President, the Speaker, acts as President
till such time that a President is elected. Same is the case when the President by reason of
absence from Pakistan or any other cause is unable to perform his functions.
Unless both Houses pass a Bill and it receives President's assent it cannot become a law
except in the case of a money bill which is the sole prerogative of the National Assembly.
Through an amendment, the role of a Mediation Committee, comprising of eight members
of each House, has been introduced to evolve consensus on Bills, in case there is a
disagreement between the two Houses. The President under the constitution also has the
power to legislate which is termed as an Ordinance. In situations of urgency when the
Parliament is not in session a situation arises for which immediate legislation is required, the
President can legislate/pass Ordinance. Such Ordinance shall remain in force for a period of
6 months, after the expiration of 6 months if the Ordinance gets approval of the Parliament,
it shall automatically become an Act, otherwise if the Parliament does not approve it at the
end of the 6 months, it automatically ceases to exist.
4.4. Prime Minister
The Constitution provides that there shall be a Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister which
is collectively responsible to the National Assembly. The Prime Minister is chosen from the
National Assembly. The Federal Ministers and Ministers of State are appointed from
amongst the members of Parliament. However, the number of Federal Ministers and
Ministers of State who are members of the Senate, shall not at any time, exceed one fourth
of the numbers of Federal Ministers.
4.5. Provincial Governments
The government of each Province is empowered under the Constitution to deal with all
subjects that are listed in the Provincial Legislative List of the Constitution.
 The Official Website of the Government of Punjab : This website depicts various
aspects of life in Punjab. Its rich history, flourishing economy, centuries-old cultural
heritage, the psyche of the people, colorful fairs and festivals, delightful arts and
crafts, ancient folklore and soul-stirring music are all detailed on this site. The
complete text of the 1974 Rules framed under Article 139 of the Constitution for the
conduct of business of the provincial government is also available online.
Information on the government's main, attached departments and autonomous
bodies are also accessible here. The "SAAF" model of government and other
departmental documents can also be downloaded, in addition to links to various
Pakistani institutional websites.
 The Official Website of the Government of Balochistan : This website contains
information on the Province of Balochistan.
 The Official Website of the Government of NWFP : This website contains information
on the Province of NWFP.
 The Official website of the Province of Sindh : This website contains useful
information and links on the Province of Sindh.
 The Official website of Gilgit Baltistan : This website contains useful information and
links on Gilgit-Baltistan.
 The Official website of Azad Jammu & Kashmir : The website contains useful
information and links on Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
 The Official website of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas : The website
contains useful information and links on Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
4.6. Local Governments
Currently all provinces are drafting legislation to implement local governments in their
respective provinces.
5. Administration of Law and Justice
The Law and Justice Division is an advisory and consultative body to the Federal
Government. There is a Law Department operating under the supervision and control of the
Law and Justice Division in each province. The Law and Justice Division is generally called
upon, from time to time, to tender advice on various important and controversial
constitutional and legal issues.
Drafting ordinances and bills is a major function and responsibility of the Law and Justice
Division, which is looked after by the Drafting Wing. The other major function and
responsibility of the Division is to be in charge of all litigation on behalf of the Government
of Pakistan. The Law and Justice Division is also involved in the appointment of Law Officers,
including Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General and Standing Counsel. It also approves
the appointment of legal advisers, with the assistance of a committee comprised of the
Attorney General, the Law and Justice Minister and the Law and Justice Secretary.
The Federal Judicial Academy was set up by the Law and Justice Ministry in September, 1988
for the adequate training of Judges, Government law officers, police officers and doctors
dealing with medical legal cases.
6. The Court System
There is a Supreme Court the principle seat is in the capital of the Country Islamabad, and
each province has a registry, a High Court in each province, and other courts exercising civil
and criminal jurisdiction. The Supreme Court and High Courts were established under the
Constitution, and other Courts have been established by or under the Acts of Parliament or
Acts of Provincial Assemblies.
6.1. Supreme Court of Pakistan
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the judicial system of Pakistan. It consists of as the
Chief Justice of Pakistan and such number of other judges as may be determined by Acts of
Parliament. The Chief Justice of Pakistan is appointed by the President. Other Judges are
also appointed by the President after consultation with the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court
has original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court, to the exclusion of every other Court in Pakistan, has the jurisdiction to
pronounce declaratory judgments in any dispute between the Federal Government and a
provincial government or between any two or more provincial governments. The Supreme
Court also has the power to make any appropriate order necessary to ensure the protection
and provision of fundamental rights.
The Supreme Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from judgments,
decrees, final orders or sentences passed by a High Court, the Federal Shariat Court and the
Services Appellate Tribunals. An appeal to the Supreme Court can be made as a matter of
right for certain cases, while for the rest the Court must grant permission to hear an appeal.
If, at any time, the President considers that it is desirable to obtain the opinion of the
Supreme Court on any question of law which he considers of public importance, he may
refer the question to the Supreme Court for consideration. The Supreme Court considers
the question so referred and reports its opinion to the President.
The permanent seat of the Supreme Court is at Islamabad, but it also runs circuits at Lahore,
Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta. The Supreme Court may, if it considers it expedient to do so
in the interest of justice, transfer any case, appeal or other proceedings pending before any
High Court to any other High Court. The practice and procedure of the Court is regulated by
rules made by the Court. All executive and judicial authorities throughout Pakistan are
required to act in aid of the Supreme Court. Any decision of the Supreme Court, to the
extent that it decides a question of law or is based upon or enunciates a principle of law, is
binding on all courts in Pakistan. The Supreme Court has the power to review any judgment
pronounced by or any order made by the Court.
6.2. High Courts of Pakistan
There is a High Court in each of the four provinces of Pakistan. On December 14, 2007, a
High Court for the Islamabad Capital Territory was established through an Executive Order
made by the (now former) President Pervez Musharraf. A High Court consists of a Chief
Justice and as many other Judges as may be determined by law or as may be fixed by the
President. High Courts have both original and appellate jurisdiction.
A High Court has, under the Constitution, original jurisdiction to make an order:
 Directing a person within the territorial jurisdiction of the Court to refrain from doing
anything which he is not permitted to do by law, or to do anything which he is
required to do by law;
 Declaring that any act done by a person without lawful authority is of no legal effect;
 Directing that a person in custody be brought before the Court, so that the Court
may satisfy itself that he is not being held unlawfully;
 Giving such directions as are necessary to any person or authority for the
enforcement of any of the fundamental rights conferred by the Constitution.
 Besides the original jurisdiction conferred by the Constitution, a High Court has
original jurisdiction in many other matters conferred by or under various laws.
High Courts have extensive appellate jurisdiction over the judgments, decisions, decrees and
sentences passed by the civil and criminal courts. High Court also has the power to approve
death sentence passed by Sessions Court. High Courts also have the power to make rules
regulating their practice and procedure, as well as the practice and procedure of lower
courts. Each High Court supervises and controls all courts subordinate to it and any decision
of a High Court binds all courts subordinate to it.
 Lahore High Court: The website of Lahore High Court gives information about the
history of the Lahore High Court. It provides links to the constitution, jurisdiction,
cause list, judges, roster, history, IT at LHC, administration, rules and orders,
announcements, and other links.
 Sindh High Court: The website of the High Court of Sindh gives information about the
history of the Sindh High Court. It provides links to the constitution, jurisdiction,
cause list, judges, roster, history, IT at SHC, administration, rules and orders,
announcements, other links.
 Peshawar High Court: The website of the High Court of Peshawar gives information
about the history of the Peshawar High Court. It provides links to the constitution,
jurisdiction, cause list, judges, roster, history, IT at SHC, administration, rules and
orders, announcements, other links.
  Balochistan High Court: The website of the High Court of Balochistan gives
information about the history of the Balochistan High Court. It provides links to the
constitution, jurisdiction, cause list, judges, roster, history, IT at SHC, administration,
rules and orders, announcements, other links.
 Islamabad High Court: The website of the High Court of Islamabad gives information
about the history of the Islamabad High Court. It provides links to the constitution,
jurisdiction, cause list, judges, roster, history, IT at SHC, administration, rules and
orders, announcements, other links.
6.3. Shariat Court
The Federal Shariat Court is comprised of eight Muslim Judges, including the Chief Justice,
who is appointed by the President. Of the Judges, four are persons qualified to be Judges of
the High Courts, while three are Ulema (scholars well-versed in Islamic Law). The Federal
Shariat Court has original and appellate jurisdiction.
The Court may examine and decide questions regarding whether or not any law or provision
of law is repugnant to the injunctions of Islam as laid down in the Holy Quran and Sunnah of
the Holy Prophet. If the Court decides that any law or provision of law is repugnant to the
injunctions of Islam, it sets out the extent to which such law or provision of law is so
repugnant, and specifies the day on which the decision shall take effect. Where any law is
held to be repugnant to the injunctions of Islam, the President, in the case of Federal law, or
the Governor, in the case of a Provincial law, is required to take steps to amend the law so
as to bring it in conformity with the injunctions of Islam, and such law ceases to have effect
from the specified date.
The Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear appeals from the decision of criminal courts
under any law relating to enforcement of Hudood Law, i.e. laws pertaining to offences of
intoxication, theft, Zina (unlawful sexual intercourse), and Qazf (false imputation of Zina).
6.4. Civil Courts
In every district of a Province, there is a Court of District Judge, which is the principal court
of original jurisdiction in civil matters. Besides the Court of District Judge, there are courts of
Civil Judges. Civil Judges function under the supervision and control of the District Judge,
and all matters of civil nature originate in the courts of these Judges. The District Judge may,
however, withdraw any case from any Civil Judge and try it himself if he sees fit. Appeals
against the judgments and decrees passed by the Civil Judges, in cases where the value of
the suit does not exceed some specified amount, are brought to the District Judge.
6.5. Criminal Courts
In every district, there is a Court of Sessions Judge and Courts of Magistrates. The Courts of
Sessions is further divided into three classes; Court of District and Sessions Judge, Courts of
Additional Sessions Judge and Courts of Assistant Sessions Judge. The courts of District and
Sessions Judge and Additional Sessions Judge share same powers; the only difference in
terms of powers between the two is that the District and Session Judge is the administrative
head of the respective district. The Assistant Session Judge is subordinate to the Additional
Session Judges and District and Sessions Judges. The magisterial Courts are further classified
into three classes, Magistrate of First Class, Magistrate of Second Class and Magistrate of
Third Class.
Criminal cases punishable by death and cases arising out of the enforcement of laws relating
to Hudood are only tried by Sessions Judges. The Court of a Sessions Judge is competent to
pass any sentence authorized by law, only death sentences are subject to approval of the
High Court. Offences punishable with imprisonment with 7 years are triable by the court of
Assistant Sessions judge whereas offences which are punishable with imprisonment for less
than three years are triable by the Magistrate in original jurisdiction, the provincial
Government is however competent to give special powers to the Magistrate of First Class to
try cases punishable with Imprisonment of 7 years. An appeal against the sentence passed
by a Sessions Judge goes to the High Court. An appeal against the sentence passed by a
Magistrate goes to the Sessions Judge if the term of sentence is up to four years, and
otherwise goes to the High Court.
In Pakistan, there are general laws as well as special laws. For the purpose of administration
of justice and curbing crime, the investigating agencies are divided into two bodies: a) The
general investigating body and b) The special investigating body.
The General Investigating agencies operate under the procedure provided in the Police
Rules 1934. Mainly, the Investigation which pertains to general criminal laws is conducted
by the Police. The Police Department in Pakistan is empowered to carry out investigation,
cause arrest of suspected and accused person, report a crime, and search and seize
incriminating articles. The Police Department is further divided into other departments such
are: CTD-Counter Terrorism Department and ACLC - Anti Car Lifting Cell.
The relevant information regarding the functions and structure of police is provided in the
links below;
 Sindh Police: The official website of the police department in the province of Sindh.
 Punjab Police: The official website of the police department in the province of
Punjab.
 Balochistan Police: The official website of the police department in the province of
Balochistan.
 KP Police: The official website of the police department in the province of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa.
The Special investigation agencies are created under the various special enactments
intended to curb certain crimes covered under a specific legislation. The Special
Investigating agencies act under their respective special enactments and their powers and
procedures are specifically provided under those statutes.
The list of Special investigating agencies is below:
 Federal Investigation Agency: The Federal Investigation Agencies is created under
the Federal Investigating Agency Act 1974, it operates in various crime circles which
are committed in connection with the Federation. Federal Investigating Agency has
various branches and each branch has a separate mandate. More about this agency
can be read on the official website of the federal investigation agency of Pakistan.
  National Accountability Bureau: In order to eradicate corrupt practices and ensure a
free, transparent government with across-the-board accountability, the National
Accountability Bureau (NAB) was established through a Presidential Ordinance on 16
November 1999. NAB will take effective measures for detection, investigation,
prosecution, and speedy disposal of cases involving corruption, corrupt practices,
misuse or abuse of power, misappropriation of property and kickbacks etc., and for
matters connected and ancillary or incidental thereto. NAB is a statutory body
enjoying total operational independence. The Chairman is appointed for fixed tenure
by the President in consultation with Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. This site
has information on the cases of corruption that have been instituted by NAB and
information on wanted individuals. It also contains the text of the accountability laws
in Pakistan.
 Anti-Narcotics Force: The Anti-narcotics Force is another special agency which has
the mandate to curb the crimes relating to Narcotics sale purchase, transportation,
importation and exportation.
 Pakistan Rangers: Pakistan Rangers is deployed in various cities of Pakistan for as a
counter terrorism Force. Under the special circumstances, they also have powers to
arrest, detain and investigate any criminal activity which has connections with the
terrorist organization. The official website is;
 The other portals of the official websites for other provinces are under construction.
 Federal Board of Revenue: The Federal Board of Revenue in Pakistan has duel
function. It is an administrative authority to regulate tax payments and taxation
system. It also monitors the customs duty and other functions relating to custom
duties on import and export. With these administrative functions the Federal Board
of Revenue also acts as an investigating agency and investigates into tax fraud, levies
penalties in case of non-payment of tax, monitors import, export and control
smuggling.
 National Response Centre for Cyber Crime: NR3C is providing single point of contact
for all local and foreign organization for all matters related to cybercrimes. It is
imparting trainings and related security education to persons of government/semi-
government and private sector organizations. It has also conducted a number of
seminars in different cities of the country to educate sensitive government
organizations regarding cyber-attacks on their information resources, information
breech and to make their systems secure against all such threats.
6.6. Special Courts and Tribunals
Certain Special Courts and Tribunals have been created to deal with specific types of cases.
These are: Special Courts for Trial of Offences in Banks, Special Courts for Recovery of Bank
Loans, Special Courts under the Customs Act, Special Traffic Courts, Court of Special Judges
for Anti-Corruption, Commercial Courts, Drug Courts, Labor Courts, Insurance Appellate
Tribunal, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Accountability Courts, Anti-Terrorism Courts and
Services Tribunals. Appeals from the Special Courts go to the High Courts, except in case of
Labor Courts and Special Traffic Courts, which have separate forums of appeal.
There are separate fora provided for raising issues relating to the human rights as well as
Special Legislations pertaining to questions relating to Religion, these forums do not have
judicial functions, and may matter which directly or indirectly pertains to the human rights
goes to the high court of the country to a Constitutional petition is filed in the Supreme
Court. However, these fora do have administrative functions and they can draft polices.
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan: This is the official website of the Human Rights
Commission of Pakistan. It consists of an introduction, their press releases, events, media
center, publication and campaigns.
Pakistan International Human Rights Organization: This is the official website of the
Pakistan International Human Rights Organization. The Pakistan International Human Rights
Organization (PIHRO) was established in 1999 as an independent non-profit, non-political
and non-governmental organization. It is registered as an NGO under Social Welfare Agency
Ordinance 1961, Government of Pakistan. PIHRO endeavors to serve humanity, work for
human welfare and to help the downtrodden and the deprived. The website consists of an
introduction, their aims, objectives, missions, case studies, activities and projects.
Asian Human Rights Commission: This is the official website of the Asian Human Rights
Commission. It keeps a check on the human rights issue in the Asian countries. Its website
consists of an introduction, news, issues, campaigns, resources and opinions.
Insaf Network Pakistan: Insaf Network Pakistan is a national non-governmental
organization. It aims at providing a common and neutral platform to civil society
organizations to work together to help the indigent, vulnerable and minority communities in
areas of gender justice and legal empowerment across Pakistan. INP’s partnership with a
variety of civil society organizations and the government functionaries remains its
distinguished feature; offering a deeper and wider access to the development recipients at a
massive scale across Pakistan. Its mission is to promote professionally informed institutional
networking and programming to support civil society and the government organizations in
fertilizing demand factors with supply functions for dispensation of quality justice and social
services to all members of the society, especially the poor, disadvantaged and the
vulnerable. Their website consists of an introduction of their organization, their projects,
publications, members and a justice bulletin.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Pakistan: UNDP is a part of the United
Nations and upholds the vision of the United Nations Charter. It is committed to the
principle that development is inseparable from the quest for peace and human security, and
that the United Nations must be a strong force for development as well as peace. UNDP's
mission is to help countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable human development, by
assisting them in building their capacity to design and carry out protections for women and
the environment, and giving first priority to poverty eradication. UNDP Pakistan addresses
the issue of poverty eradication and SHD through three program areas: (a) governance; (b)
gender; and (c) sustainable livelihoods. UNDP Pakistan Overview gives a quick overview of
the Programme. The interested user can check out each Thematic Programme Area. A
Consolidated Project Listing is also available. The site has links to the Sub Regional Resource
Facility, Regional Governance Programme, Country Cooperation Framework 1998-2003, and
Human Development Center. Moreover, a Media and Advocacy Page is also maintained on
this site. Besides these, Performance Indicators have been identified. The UNDP main site
can also be accessed from this website.
Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan: The main functions of the Commission include
suggesting reforms in laws and statutes, including their modernization, unification and
codification, removal of anomalies and inconsistencies in laws, repeal of obsolete provisions
in statutes, adopting effective procedures for administration of laws to ensure inexpensive
and speedy justice, simplifying laws for easy comprehension and suggesting steps to make
the society law-conscious, developing and augmenting human resources for efficient court
administration and case management, coordinating the judiciary and the executive,
preparing schemes for access to justice, legal aid and protection of human rights,
administering and managing the access to the justice development fund, introducing
reforms in the administration of justice and recommending measures for improvement in
the standards and quality of legal education. The site also has information on the laws of
Pakistan and the judiciary.
The Council of Islamic Ideology: The Council of Islamic Ideology is a constitutional body that
advises the legislature regarding whether a law is repugnant to Islam, namely to the Qur'an
and Sunna. This website is designed to provide information about the activities of the
Council in this regard. It is updated every week. The website aims to provide visitors data
about Islam, Islamic law and research in this field in Pakistan, and contains links to:
 Major newspapers in the world, including Muslim countries
 Major libraries
 Online journals
 Bookstores
 Shari'ah and Islamic law in the news media
Databases on the website include:
 The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
 Al-Qur'an al-Karim
 Important Fatawa
 Directory of scholars
 Research in progress in Pakistani universities
 Bibliographies, and other lists of books and articles on current issues, e.g., rights of
women, human rights, etc.
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP): The Election Commission of Pakistan is an
independent and autonomous constitutional body charged with the function of conducting
transparent, free, fair and impartial elections to the National and Provincial Assemblies. This
website provides details about its organizational policies and setup, including the electoral
system and rolls, demarcation and delimitation of constituencies, criteria for voter eligibility,
reports, news and events. A set of frequently asked questions and a detailed telephone
directory are also available on this information-rich site.
6.7. The Ombudsman (Wafaqi Mohtasib)
The concept of Mohtasib (Ombudsman) is an ancient Islamic concept, and many Islamic
States have established the office of Mohtasib to ensure that no wrong or injustice is done
to the citizens. In the 18th century, when King Charles XII of Sweden was in exile in Turkey,
he observed the working and efficacy of this institution in the Ottoman Caliphate. Upon
regaining his throne, the King established a similar institution in Sweden. Gradually, other
developed western countries also adopted this institution.
In Pakistan, at present, there are five Federal Ombudsmen, i.e., Wafaqi Mohtasib, Federal
Tax Ombudsman, Federal Insurance Ombudsman, Federal Ombudsperson for Women and
Banking Mohtasib.
Wafaqi Mohtasib. In Pakistan, a beginning was made with the appointment of Wafaqi
Mohtasib (Ombudsman). The primary objective of the Wafaqi Mohtasib was to diagnose,
investigate, redress and rectify injustices faced by the public from Federal Government
Departments. The measure of success achieved by the institution of Wafaqi Mohtasib led to
the creation of Provincial Ombudsmen in the provinces of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan,
Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. For further information click here.
Federal Tax Ombudsman: The growing nature of corporate sector grievances, largely
relating to inequitable application of taxation laws, and the Government's desire to promote
a just and equitable business environment in Pakistan, prompted the Government to
establish an independent Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO). The FTO has brought considerable
relief to businesses during the last 11 years. Businessmen have now found a level of
comfort, non-existent in the past, which allows them to confidently and fearlessly make
investment decisions in the knowledge that an environment exists where they can expect
equity, fair play and justice. For further information click here.
Federal Insurance Ombudsman: In pursuance of the Insurance Ordinance 2000, the Office
of Federal Insurance Ombudsman (FIO) was established on 2nd May, 2006. The institution is
meant to provide analysis, investigation redressal and rectification of any injustice done to a
person through maladministration by any of the insurer in the private sector. The key role of
the FIO is to provide timely and cost free redressal of the public grievances against alleged
maladministration in an insurance company. The cases pertaining to life and general
insurance business are looked after by FIO as per the requirements of the Insurance
Ordinance 2000 and the Insurance Rules.
Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace: The
Federal Ombudsperson has been appointed on 13th January, 2011 for protection against
harassment of Women at Work place.
Provincial Ombudsman (Mohtasib) Sindh: The establishment of the Mohtasib Sindh
(Provincial Ombudsman Sindh) took place through the passage of Sindh Act No. 1 of 1992
(Establishment of the Office of Ombudsman for the Province of Sindh Act, 1991). This law
empowers Provincial Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Sindh to diagnose, investigate, redress and
rectify any injustice done to a person through maladministration of an Agency of the
Government of Sindh. The Ombudsman Sindh is the first institute in the country to have a
Children's Complaint Office (CCO) in the secretariat Provincial Ombudsman Sindh in
collaboration with UNICEF, which specifically looks after the rights of the children and young
people. For further information click here.
Provincial Ombudsman (Mohtasib) Punjab: The Institution of Ombudsman was established
by virtue of The Punjab Office of the Ombudsman Act, 1997, which provides for the
appointment of the Provincial Ombudsman for protection of the rights of the people,
ensuring adherence to the rule of law, diagnosing, redressing and rectifying any injustice
done to a person through maladministration and suppressing corrupt practices as enshrined
in its preamble. For further information click here.
Provincial Ombudsman (Mohtasib) Balochistan: The Ordinance for establishment of office
of Ombudsman for province of Balochistan, 2001 provides a comprehensive procedure to
discharge duty for redressal of grievances of needy people and to control the state
functionaries to implement the decisions against maladministration. The Provincial
Ombudsman and United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Balochistan has signed an
agreement for establishment of a children complaint office, on 21st October, 2009 in order
to provide an opportunity to children to be heard in judicial or administrative proceedings
and decisions thereof which affect them and to redress their grievances.
Provincial Ombudsman (Mohtasib) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: The Provincial Ombudsman
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been established under The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial
Ombudsman ACT, 2010 for protection of the rights of the people, ensuring adherence to the
rule of law, redressing and rectifying any injustice done to a person through
maladministration, suppressing corrupt practices and ensuring good governance.
Azad Jammu & Kashmir Mohtasib (Ombudsman): The Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Secretariat
was established in 1991 through an ordinance. It is a quasi-judicial institution. Its mandate is
to undo the injustice done through maladministration and to redress the grievance of an
aggrieved person/ persons. For further information click here.
6.8. Jirga
Jirga, a Persian word, means a gathering or a consultation. Tribes had recourse to Jirga to
solve their various problems, and hence jirga is now known as the tribal justice system.
What started as an informal, community-based body that was meant to settle small claims,
the “Jirga”, or council of tribal elders, has in Pakistan been allowed to emerge as a powerful
force protecting the interests of the powerful. A recent report by the Human Rights
Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on jirgas traces their history, citing several published sources
according to which a British officer, Lt. Sandeman, introduced this system of resolving
disputes among the Baloch tribes, although it already existed in the Peshawar area.
On April 24, 2004, the Sindh High Court imposed a ban on holding jirgas in the province, but
government functionaries, ranging from chief ministers to union council nazims, continue to
participate in these meetings, according to the list compiled from newspaper reports by the
HRCP.
7. Legal Research
The Federal Laws of Pakistan are published by the government in a document called
the Gazette of Pakistan. The well-known law reporters, like the Pakistan Legal
Decisions (PLD) and the Pakistan Law Journal (PLJ), also contain the statutes in their statutes
sections. The major compilation of statutes, however, is the Pakistan Code. The current
code is spread over twenty-one (21) volumes dating from the year 1836 C.E. Volume
twenty-one, the last published volume, contains the laws passed up to the year 1988. Code
volumes for the years after 1988 are yet to be published and made publicly available. The
Ministry of Justice, Law and Parliamentary Affairs does publish individual Acts when they are
amended, but this is done through the Official Gazette. This means that the published Code
may not contain the updated law, and hence one must wait for the new edition of the Code
in order to find the updated version. The latest versions of the laws are available from the
government documents (Official Gazette) outlets and bookstores. The Acts sold by the
bookstores are usually, but not always, the exact copies of the laws published officially.
Thus, in many cases, the Acts available from the market do not contain the official notes
added by the Ministry.
Judgments of the superior courts are reported in journals published by the following:
 All Pakistan Legal Decisions
 PakLawyer.com: launched by Pak-Lawyer Associates in 2019 to aid the need to find
legal advice.
 LawVision – Ultimate Law Resources – Database for Lawyers  (fee based): contains a
wide range of e-books on law; database includes laws, case law, judgments,
dictionaries, etc.
 Pakistan Law Journal
Judgments of the superior courts and important enactments can be found online here:
 EastLaw.pk: contains all the enactments with latest amendments, Government
Circulars, notifications, Gazettes, latest judgments from all courts, research papers
on legal topics. This is a complete legal library available for a nominal subscription
fee.
 Pakistan Lawyer: This is a Pakistani legal website containing a searchable database of
statutes and case law. This site also includes a directory of lawyers, links to court
case lists, and free online legal advice, among other useful features.
 Law Vision: This site has opened the door for actual comprehensive laws and legal
services on the internet. In addition, it provides information on legal consultancy,
lawyer-online, legal forums, etc. Some of the services provided through this website
require a subscription. Users need to purchase an account or a Scratch card to access
the restricted files of this legal data-base.
 PLJ Lawsite (fee based): has all Federal laws and since it is a Punjab based website it
also contains acts, ordinances, rules, SROS, regulations, Circulars of related to the
Province of Punjab. One section of the website contains judgments of all the courts
in Pakistan.
  Labour Unity: This site has information on labor laws of Pakistan.
 Guide to Law Online: This site contains various links to other websites, where
information on Pakistan, its Constitution, Economy, and laws can be obtained.
 Pakistan Board of Investment: This website contains information on the laws relating
to investment in Pakistan.
 Federal Board of Revenue – Revenue Division : This website contains information and
laws pertaining to Income Tax and Sales tax.
 Privatization Commission of Pakistan: This website contains information and laws on
privatization.
 Pakistan Telecommunication Authority: This website contains information and laws
relating to telecommunications.
 Private Power and Infrastructure Board: This website contains the policies governing
investment in the Power sector in Pakistan.
 Pakistan Law Site: This fee-based website is a one-stop resource for Statutes, Rules
and Cases relating to Pakistan. This site houses all federal and provincial statutes and
cases related to these statutes. Taxation, Service, Copyright, State planning, Labour
and all varieties of Fiscal statutes are covered in this site. There are more than 1200
Essays and other legal documents available here. It also houses all Journals of PLD
Publishers (PLD, SCMR, CLC, PCrLJ, PTD, PLC, CLD, YLR).
 The Constitution of Pakistan: The site contains substantial information in the context
of Constitution. The amendments proposed or applied, orders affecting the
constitution, and other insights concerning this topic are included on the website.
The site is updated with recent information regarding the role of Constitution.
 Pakistan's Legislative History: This page contains Pakistan's legislative history,
ordinances, amendments, other documents including enforcement of the Shar'iah
Act (Act X of 1991).
 Punjab Laws Online: This website is the first online database of laws in Pakistan. It
contains all the laws of Punjab to date starting from 1860. The website is regularly
updated with the new laws that are passed or when amendments are made to the
existing ones.
 Vakil No. 1: This website contains laws of SAARC countries, including Pakistan.
 NATLEX: This website contains national laws on labor, social security, and related
human rights. Information relevant to Pakistan may be found by locating Pakistan in
the countries section.
 Online newspapers of Pakistan : This site provides links to fifty newspapers circulated
in Pakistan.
Publishers and suppliers of law books:
 S.A. Salam Publications
  Petiwala Books International
 PLD Publishers: PLD Publishers is a publishing house based in Lahore, Pakistan. It was
founded in 1947 by the late Malik Mir Muhammad. It publishes the leading law
journals of Pakistan, including PLD, SCMR, CLC, PCrLJ, PTD, PLC, CLD, YLR and the
GBLR. The most comprehensive law book is the "Pakistan Law Decisions" (PLD),
which contains judgments from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the various
provincial High Courts, the Service, Professional and Election Tribunals as well as the
superior courts of territories such as Azad Kashmir. PLD is augmented by other
books, most notably the "Yearly Law Reports" (YLR), and the "Monthly Law Digest"
(MLD). The Supreme Court also has its own law book, the "Supreme Court Monthly
Review" (SCMR), which lists more recent cases that the appex court heard. In
addition, there are books dealing with specific areas of law, such as the "Civil Law
Cases" (CLC), which as the name suggests deals with civil cases; the "Pakistan
Criminal Law Journal" (PCrLJ), which reports Criminal Cases; and the "Pakistan Tax
Decisions" (PTD), on the Income Tax tribunal cases and their appeals. Using the finest
of technological innovations, PLD Publishers has pioneered law information
databases for making law easily accessible in the electronic medium. This has
appeared in a revolutionary form as www.pakistanlawsite.com. This is one stop
resource site for Statutes, Rules and Cases relating to Pakistan. This site is one of its
kind and houses all the federal and provincial statutes and cases related to these
statutes. Taxation, Service, Copyright, State planning, Labour and all kinds of Fiscal
statutes are covered in this site. Moreover there are more than 1200 Essays and
writing and other legal documents available here along with all the Journals of PLD
Publishers that are PLD, SCMR, CLC, PCrLJ, PTD, PLC, CLD, YLR.
 Paramount Books LTD.: online bookstore
 Kauser Brothers Law Book Publishers: books periodicals, and other legal publications
 Manzoor Law Books
 Federal Law House
 Unique Book House
Current important legal news in Pakistan may be accessed here:
 Mumtaz & Associates: A corporate law firm since 1971; offers access to all acts,
ordinances, rules circulars, and regulations.
Selected Important Government Websites:
 Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority [PEMRA] : This is the official website
for Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority established under the PEMRA
Ordinance of 2002. It regulates the private media and has the mandate to improve
the standards of information, education and entertainment and to enlarge the
number of choices available to the people of Pakistan including news, current affairs,
religious knowledge, art and culture as well as science and technology. All the Acts,
Rules and Codes of PEMRA to which all media groups have to abide by are found on
 this site. Failure by any media group to abide by these may result in an action against
them by PEMRA.
 PAKISTAN: Economic Policy Analysis from MIEPA : The McKeever Institute of
Economic Policy Analysis (MIEPA) is a privately funded research institute, "dedicated
to the betterment of mankind through the promotion of sound economic policies."
Their site contains a description of recommended policies together with student
evaluations of a number of individual countries' economic policies. The linked
section of the site presents an analysis of the Pakistan government's economic
policies compared to a list of 33 economic policies as prepared by MIEPA.
 Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan : The Securities and Exchange
Commission of Pakistan is the regulator of the corporate sector and the non-banking
financial institutions. It regulates the stock exchanges, public issue of securities, and
other intermediaries in the securities market. The site contains useful information on
the corporate laws of Pakistan.
 Pakistan Board of Investment: This website contains information on the laws relating
to investment in Pakistan.
 Privatization Commission of Pakistan: This website contains information and laws on
privatization.
 Pakistan Telecommunication Authority: This website contains information and laws
relating to telecommunications.
 Private Power and Infrastructure Board: This website contains the policies governing
investment in the Power sector in Pakistan.
 Pakistan Water Gateway: The Pakistan Water Gateway is intended to enhance access
to information regarding water resources and issues in Pakistan. It is a pioneering
web-based knowledge product, archiving information on a range of such issues
pertaining to Pakistan. The Pakistan Water Gateway is a reference repository for an
evolving body of knowledge. It hopes to link national stakeholders - government,
civil society, media, experts, donors and the general public - with their global
counterparts, creating a web of information and allowing for sharing of knowledge
among these stakeholders. The gateway addresses water as a resource in its many
dimensions, serves to assess and disseminate shared experiences, publicizes policies
and guidelines, and facilitates cooperation on water issues. It provides links to the
current national and international programs and resources on water, and serves as
an interactive point for sharing and browsing websites of water-related
organizations, government bodies and NGOs. The site also contains papers on critical
issues and the learning of experts and institutions working on water-related themes,
as well as the experience of other communities regarding water issues.
 A Legal Research Guide to Pakistan
by Omar Sial and Sahar Iqbal
Omar Sial is a partner in the law firm of Hasan & Sial, Advocates and Corporate
Counselors. Sahar Iqbal is a student of law at the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of
Science and Technology.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Location
Constitutional Development
Constitutional Status of Islamic Law
Government
Process of Law Making
Administration of Law and Justice
The Court System
Legal Research
 
Introduction
Pakistan emerged as an independent State on 14 August 1947. Pakistan is divided into four
provinces, namely, North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.
The tribal belt adjoining NWFP is managed by the Federal Government and is named FATA
i.e., Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas have their own
respective political and administrative machinery, yet certain of their subjects are taken care
of by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas.
Islamabad is the federal capital. Over 97 per cent of the country's population is Muslim. 
Location
Located in South Asia, Pakistan shares an eastern border with India and north-eastern
border with China. Iran makes up the country’s south-west border, and Afghanistan runs
along its western and northern edge. The Arabian Sea is Pakistan’s southern boundary with
1,064 km of coastline.
The country has a total area of 796,095 sq km and is nearly four times the size of the United
Kingdom. From Gwadar Bay in its south-eastern corner, the country extends more than
1,800 km to the Khunjerab Pass on China’s border. 
Constitutional Development
Since its creation in 1947 Pakistan has had three constitutions, adopted in 1956, 1962, and
1973. The 1973 constitution was the result of a consensus among the political parties then
represented in parliament.
The Constitution of Pakistan 1973 was enacted by the National Assembly on April 10, 1973.
The Constitution was held in abeyance by the Proclamation of Martial Law issued by General
M. Zia-ul-Haq on July 5, 1977. The Revival of the Constitution of 1973 Order, 1985
(President's Order No. 14 of 1985) and the Constitution (Eighth Amendment) Act, 1985,
(XVIII of 1985) brought about major amendments to the Constitution. The Constitution was
revived in 1985 through the Enforcement of Constitution Order on March 10, 1985
The whole of Pakistan once again came under the control of the Armed Forces of Pakistan
on October 12, 1999, by virtue of the Proclamation of Emergency issued by General Pervez
Musharraf, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Army Staff, on October 14,
1999. By virtue of the said Proclamation Pervez Musharraf also assumed the office of Chief
Executive of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The Constitution was again held in abeyance by the Provisional Constitution Order No. 1 of
1999, issued by the Chief Executive on October 14, 1999. However, the said Order provided,
in Art. 2 thereof, that notwithstanding the abeyance of the Constitution, Pakistan shall,
subject to the said Order and any other Order made by the Chief Executive, be governed, as
nearly as may be, in accordance with the Constitution.
The Constitution (Seventeenth Amendment) Act, 2003 has now validated and affirmed all
the amendments made in the Constitution by the Legal Framework Order, 2002.
A comprehensive article on the history of the Constitution can be found here.
Constitutional Status of Islamic Law
Article 1 of the 1973 Constitution declares that Pakistan’s official name shall be the Islamic
Republic of Pakistan, and Article 2 declares Islam the state religion. The Objectives
Resolution of the preamble of the Constitution was made a part of its substantive provisions
by the insertion of Article 2A in 1985, thereby requiring all laws to be brought into
consonance with the Quran and Sunnah. Chapter 3A establishes the Federal Shariat Court.
Part IX of the Constitution is entitled “Islamic Provisions” and provides for the eventual
Islamization of all existing laws, reaffirming that no laws repugnant to the injunctions of
Islam are to be enacted.
A comprehensive article on the Islamic influence on the provisions of the Constitution can
be found here.
Government
Federal Parliamentary System: The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan provides
for a Federal Parliamentary System of government, with the President as the Head of State
and the popularly elected Prime Minister as Head of government. The Federal Legislature is
a bicameral Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), composed of the National Assembly and the
Senate.
Provinces: Pakistan is divided into four provinces. These are, Balochistan, the North-West
Frontier Province (NWFP), Punjab, and Sindh. Governors are appointed by the President to
head each Province. Each Province has a directly elected Provincial Assembly headed by a
Chief Minister. The Provincial Governments may legislate in certain areas for example
health, education, agriculture, municipal planning and roads.
National Assembly: Members of the National Assembly are elected by universal adult
suffrage (over eighteen years of age in Pakistan). Seats are allocated to each of the four
Provinces, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and Islamabad Capital Territory on the
basis of population. National Assembly members serve for the parliamentary term, which is
five years, unless they die or resign sooner, or unless the National Assembly is dissolved.
Although the vast majority of the members are Muslim, about 5 percent of the seats are
reserved for minorities, including Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs. Elections for minority seats
are held on the basis of separate electorates at the same time as the polls for Muslim seats
during the general elections.
Senate: The Senate is a permanent legislative body with equal representation from each of
the four Provinces, elected by the members of their respective Provincial Assemblies. There
are representatives from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and from Islamabad
Capital Territory. The Chairman of the Senate, under the Constitution, is next in line to act as
President should the office become vacant and until such time as a new President can be
formally elected.
Prime Minister and Cabinet: The majority of members in the National Assembly nominate a
member as Prime Minister from amongst themselves. That individual is then appointed as
Prime Minister by the President from among the members of the National Assembly. The
Prime Minister is assisted by the Federal Cabinet, a council of ministers whose members are
appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
President of Pakistan: The President of Pakistan is Pakistan's Head of State. It is the majority
party in the National Assembly which usually is instrumental in nominating and electing a
person as the President. At various times in history, changes in the Constitution of Pakistan
have altered the powers and privileges associated with the office of the President. At
present, Pakistan has a semi-presidential system of government. (The semi-presidential
system is a system of government that features both a prime minister and a president who
are active participants in the day to day functioning of government.)
Process of Law Making
The Constitution sets out the procedure to be followed for promulgating a statute. Broadly,
this requires a Bill to be passed by both Houses of Parliament – the National Assembly and
the Senate. Upon a Bill’s passage through both Houses, it is presented to the President of
Pakistan for assent and becomes an Act of Parliament upon receiving such assent. In the
absence of the National Assembly, statutes are promulgated by the President pursuant to
Article 89(1) of the Constitution. Under this Article, the President may, if satisfied that
circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action, make and
promulgate an Ordinance. Such Ordinances have the same force and effect as an Act of
Parliament. A similar power is bestowed upon Provincial Governors by Article 128(1) of the
Constitution in respect of matters falling within provincial legislative authority.
Administration of Law and Justice
The Law and Justice Division is an advisory and consultative body to the Federal
Government. There is a Law Department operating under the supervision and control of the
Law and Justice Division in each province.
The Law and Justice Division is generally called upon, from time to time, to tender advice on
various important and controversial constitutional and legal issues.
Legislative Drafting: Drafting of Ordinances and Bills is a major function and responsibility of
the Law and Justice Division which is looked after by the Drafting Wing. 
Litigation: The other major function and responsibility of the Division is to look after the
litigation on behalf of the Government of Pakistan.
Administration of the Federal Courts/ Tribunals: The Law and Justice Division is also involved
in the appointment of Law Officers including Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General
and Standing Counsel. It also approves the appointment of legal advisers for which purpose
there is a committee comprising the Attorney General, Law and Justice Minister and the Law
and Justice Secretary.
Judicial Academy: The Federal Judicial Academy was set up by the Law and Justice Ministry
in September, 1988 for the adequate training of Judges, Government law officers, police
officers and doctors dealing with medical legal cases.
The Court System
There is a Supreme Court in Pakistan and a High Court in each province, and other courts
exercising civil and criminal jurisdiction. The Supreme Court and High Courts have been
established under the Constitution and other Courts have been established by or under the
Acts of Parliament or Acts of Provincial Assemblies.
Supreme Court of Pakistan
Structure: The Supreme Court is at the apex of the judicial systems of Pakistan. It consists of
a Chief Justice known as Chief Justice of Pakistan and such number of other judges as may
be determined by the Act of Parliament. The Chief Justice of Pakistan is appointed by the
President. Other Judges are also appointed by the President after consultation with the
Chief Justice.
Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court has original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction.
Original Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court, to the exclusion of every other Court in Pakistan,
has the jurisdiction to pronounce declaratory judgments in any dispute between the Federal
Government or a provincial government or between any two or more provincial
governments. The Supreme Court, if it considers that a question of public importance, with
reference to the enforcement of any of the Fundamental Rights ensured by the Constitution
of Pakistan is involved, it has the power to make any appropriate order for the enforcement
of fundamental rights.
Appellate Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals
from judgments, decrees, final orders or sentences passed by a High Court, the Federal
Shariat Court and the Services Appellate Tribunals. An appeal to the Supreme Court can be
made as a matter of right for certain cases while for the rest the Court hears an appeal with
its prior permission.
Advisory Jurisdiction: It, at any time, the President considers that it is desirable to obtain the
opinion of the Supreme Court on any question of law which he considers of public
importance, he may refer the question to the Supreme Court for consideration. The
Supreme Court considers the question so referred and reports its opinion on the question to
the President.
Seat of the Supreme Court: The permanent seat of the Supreme Court is at Islamabad, but it
also runs circuits at Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta.
Transfer of Cases: The Supreme Court may, if it considers expedient to do so in the interest
of justice, transfer any case, appeal or other proceedings pending before any High Court to
any other High Court.
General: The practice and procedure of the Court is regulated by the rules made by the
Court. All executive and judicial authorities throughout Pakistan are required to act in aid of
the Supreme Court. Any decision of the Supreme Court to the extent it decides a question of
law or is based upon or enunciates a principle of law is binding on all courts in Pakistan. The
Supreme Court has the power to review any judgment pronounced by it or any order made
by it.
High Courts of Pakistan
There is a High Court in each of the four provinces of Pakistan. The Islamabad Capital
Territory falls within the jurisdiction of the Lahore High Court of the Punjab. A High Court
consists of a Chief Justice and as many other Judges as may be determined by law or as may
be fixed by the President.
Jurisdiction: A High Court has original and appellate jurisdiction.
Original Jurisdiction: A High Court has, under the Constitution, original jurisdiction to make
an order:
(i)        directing a person within the territorial jurisdiction of the Court to refrain from doing
anything he is not permitted by law or to do anything he is required by law;
(ii)      declaring that any act done by a person without lawful authority is of no legal effect;
(iii)    directing that a person in custody be brought before it, so that the court may satisfy
itself that he is not being held unlawfully;
(iv)     giving such directions to any person or authority, for the enforcement of any of the
fundamental rights conferred by the Constitution. Besides the original jurisdiction conferred
by the Constitution, a High Court has original jurisdiction in many other matters conferred
by or under various laws.
Appellate Jurisdiction: A High Court has extensive appellate jurisdiction against the
judgments, decisions, decrees and sentences passed by the civil and criminal courts.
General: A High Court has the power to make rules regulating its practice and procedure
and of courts subordinate to it. Each High Court supervises and controls all courts
subordinate to it and any decision of a High Court binds all courts subordinate to it.

Shariat Court
Federal Shariat Court comprises eight Muslim Judges including the Chief Justice to be
appointed by the President. Of the Judges, four are the persons qualified to be the Judges of
the High Courts, while three are Ulema (scholars well-versed in Islamic Law).
Jurisdiction: Federal Shariat Court has original and appellate jurisdiction.
Original Jurisdiction: The Court may examine and decide the question whether or not any
law or provision of law is repugnant to the injunctions of Islam as laid down in the Holy
Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet. If the Court decides that any law or provision of law
is repugnant to the injunctions of Islam, it sets out the extent to which such law or provision
of law is so repugnant, and specifies the day on which the decision shall take effect. Where
any law is held to be repugnant to the injunctions of Islam, the President in the case of
Federal law or the Governor in the case of a Provincial law is required to take steps to
amend the law so as to bring it in conformity with the injunctions of Islam, and such law
ceases to have effect from the specified day.
Appellate Jurisdiction: The Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear appeals from the decision
of criminal courts under any law relating to enforcement of Hudood Law i.e. laws pertaining
to offences to intoxication, theft, Zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) and Qazf (false
imputation of Zina).
Civil Courts
In every district of a Province, there is a Court of District Judge which is the principal court of
original jurisdiction in civil matters.
Besides the Court of District Judge, there are courts of Civil Judges. Civil Judges function
under the supervision and control of District Judge and all matters of civil nature originate in
the courts of Judges. The District Judge may, however, withdraw any case from any Civil
Judge and try it himself. Appeals against the judgments and decrees passed by the Civil
Judges in cases where the value of the suit does not exceed the specified amount lie to the
District Judge.
Criminal Courts
In every district, there is a Court of Sessions Judge and Courts of Magistrates.
Criminal cases punishable with death and cases arising out of the enforcement of laws
relating to Hudood are tried by Sessions Judges. The Court of a Sessions Judge is competent
to pass any sentence authorised by law. Offences not punishable with death are tried by
Magistrates. Among the Magistrates there are Magistrates of 1st Class, 2nd Class and 3rd
Class. An appeal against the sentence passed by a Sessions Judge lies to the High Court and
against the sentence passed by a Magistrate to the Sessions Judge if the term of sentence is
up to four years, otherwise to the High Court.
Special Courts and Tribunals
To deal with specific types of cases, Special Courts and Tribunals are constituted. These are:
Special Courts for Trial of Offences in Banks, Special Courts for Recovery of Bank Loans,
Special Courts under the Customs Act, Special Traffic Courts, Courts of Special Judges Anti-
Corruption, Commercial Courts, Drug Courts, Labour Courts, Insurance Appellate Tribunal,
Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Accountability Courts, Anti-Terrorism Courts and Services
Tribunals. Appeals from the Special Courts lie to the High Courts, except in case of Labour
Courts and Special Traffic Courts, which have separate forums of appeal.
The Ombudsman (Wafaqi Mohtasib)
The Concept Mohtasib (Ombudsman) is an ancient Islamic concept and many Islamic States
have established the office of Mohtasib to ensure that no wrong or injustice is done to the
citizens. In the 18th century, when King Charles XII of Sweden was in exile in Turkey, he
observed the working and efficacy of this institution in the Ottomon Caliphate. On regaining
his throne, the King established a similar institution in Sweden. Gradually, other developed
western countries also adopted this institution.
Establishment in Pakistan: In Pakistan, the establishment of the institution of Ombudsman
was advocated on several occasions. It was Article 276 of the Interim constitution of 1972,
which provided for the appointment of a Federal Ombudsman as well as Provincial
Ombudsmen for the first time. Subsequently, the Constitution of 1973 included the Federal
Ombudsman at item 13 of the Federal Legislative List in the Fourth Schedule.
The Institution of Ombudsman was, however, actually brought into being through the
Establishment of the Office of Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Order, 1983. The Wafaqi
Mohtasib is appointed by the President of Pakistan and holds office for a period of four
years. He is assured of security of tenure and cannot be removed from office except on
ground of misconduct or of physical or mental incapacity.
Jurisdiction: The chief purpose of the Wafaqi Mohtasib is to diagnose, investigate, redress
and rectify any injustice done to a person through maladministration on the part of a
Federal Agency or a Federal Government official. The primary objective of the office is to
institutionalise a system for enforcing administrative accountability.
The term "maladministration" has been defined in the law governing the office of Mohtasib,
to cover a very wide spectrum, encompassing every conceivable form of administrative
practice. It includes a decision, process, recommendation, an act of omission or commission,
which:
(a)       is contrary to law, rules or regulations or is a departure from established practice or
procedure;
(b)       is perverse, arbitrary or unreasonable, unjust, biased, oppressive or discriminatory or
is based on irrelevant grounds;
(c)       involves the exercise of powers, or the failure, or refusal to do so, for corrupt or
improper motives.
It also includes neglect, inattention, delay, incompetence, inefficiency, ineptitude in the
administration, or in the discharge of duties and responsibilities. The term "Agency" has
been defined as a Ministry, Division, Department, commission, or Office of the Federal
Government, or a Statutory corporation, or any other institution established or controlled
by the Federal Government.
Powers: If the Mohtasib finds an element of bad administration in a matter, he can, after
investigating the matter, ask the Agency concerned to consider the matter further, to
modify or cancel its decision, to take disciplinary action against any public servant, to
dispose of the cases within a specified time, or to improve the working of the Agency, or to
take any other specified steps. Failure on the part of an Agency to comply with the
Ombudsman's recommendation is treated as "Defiance of Recommendations" which may
lead to reference of the matter to the President of Pakistan, who, in his discretion may
direct the Agency to implement the recommendations.
The Mohtasib is empowered to award compensation to an aggrieved person for any loss or
damage suffered by that person on account of maladministration. But if the complaint is
found to be false, or frivolous, he can also award compensation to the Agency or the
functionary against whom the complaint was made.
Jirga
Jirga, a Persian word, means a gathering, or a consultation. Tribes had recourse to jirga to
solve their multifarious problems and hence it is now common known as the tribal justice
system. These problems covered a broad spectrum of subjects from an informal,
community-based body that was meant to settle small claims, the ‘jirga’, or council of tribal
elders, has in Pakistan been allowed to emerge as a powerful force protecting the interests
of the powerful. A recent report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on
jirgas traces their history, citing several published sources according to which a British
officer, Lt Sandeman, introduced this system of resolving disputes among the Baloch tribes,
although it already existed in the Peshawar area.
On April 24, 2004, the Sindh High Court imposed a ban on holding jirgas in the province, but
government functionaries, ranging from chief ministers to union council nazims, continue to
participate in these meetings, according to the list compiled from newspaper reports by the
HRCP.
Legal Research
The Federal Laws of Pakistan are published by the Government in a document called
the Gazette of Pakistan. The well known law reporters, like the Pakistan Legal
Decisions (PLD) and the Pakistan Law Journal (PLJ), also contain the statutes in their statutes
sections. The major compilation for statutes, however, is the Pakistan Code. The current
code is spread over twenty-one (21) volumes dating from the year 1836 C.E. Volume
twenty-one, the last published volume, contains the laws made up to the year 1988. Code
volumes for the years after 1988 are yet to be published and made available. The Ministry of
Justice, Law and Parliamentary affairs does publish individual Acts when these are updated
in the light of amendments, but this is done through the Official Gazette. This means that
the published Code may not contain the updated law, and for the updated version one has
to wait for the new edition of the Code. The latest versions of the laws are available from
the government documents (Official Gazette) outlets and bookstores. The Acts sold by the
bookstores are usually, but not always, the exact copies of the laws published officially.
Thus, in many cases, the Acts available from the market do not contain the official notes
added by the Ministry.
Judgments of the superior courts are reported in journals published by:
All Pakistan Legal Decisions
35-Nabha Road, Lahore
Phone: +9242-7356228
Fax: +9242-7238113
Email: PLD@brain.net.pk
The largest supplier of law books in Pakistan is:
Pakistan Law House
Pakistan Chowk, GPO No. 90
Karachi 74200
Phone: +9221-2639558
Fax: 2627549
The Sindh Balochistan Law Reports are published by:
United Law Agency
8/29 Arkay Square
Shahrah-e-Liaquat
New Challi
Karachi
Phone: +9221-2431696
Fax: +9221-2423192
Email: alhouse@cyber.net.pk
The Pakistan Law Journal is published by:
Pakistan Law Journal
9 Fane Road
Lahore
Phone: +9242-7237334
Email: pakistanlawjournal@yahoo.com
Url: www.pbbarcouncil.com
A good publisher for company and tax law books is: 
S.A. Salam Publications
Salam Chambers
22-Link McLeod Road
Lahore
Phone: +9242-7359405
Fax: +9221-7226953
Email: lhr@sasalam.com.pk
Url: www.sasalam.com.pk

The following websites may be of help to a legal researcher:

Pakistan Government
Pakistan.Gov is the official portal web site for the Government of Pakistan and acts as a
services gateway for citizens, non-citizens and businesses dealing with it. Information about
the Government's ministries, divisions and departments, official publications like the
Gazette of Pakistan, downloadable, printable forms for the citizens, and a government
directory are some of the features of this site. It also features news updates, tender notices
and job vacancies. Categories of its information and services gateways include agriculture,
business, citizenship and immigration, culture, district governments education,
employment, environment, health, housing and real estate information and media, law,
overseas Pakistanis, public utilities, regulations, religious affairs, safety and security, science
and technology, sports, tourism and travel, weather and women.
Women in Technology (WIT)
Women in Technology (WIT) promote the use of technology as a means for uplifting
Pakistani women's social and financial status by facilitating women's growth as a skilled
workforce and mobilise them as a resource in Pakistan's development. Information about its
aims and objectives, ongoing and future projects, career opportunities, education and
training programs are available online. News updates about WIT's activities, discussion
forums, opinion polls, and a members' area some of the features of this site.
Karachi City
From "Kolachi" to "Karachi", the history of one of Pakistan's most vibrant and dynamic cities
is traced on the official website of the city's district government. Its budgets and projects,
the administration's organizational setup and contact information, birth and death
registration forms are all available online. Union council information about its 18 towns,
together with maps, and the city's complete phone directory of useful numbers, such as
hospitals and emergency services, are some of the features of this information-rich site.
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
The Election Commission of Pakistan is an independent and autonomous constitutional body
charged with the function of conducting transparent, free, fair and impartial elections to the
National and Provincial Assemblies. This upcoming website provides details about its
organizational policies and setup. These include the electoral system and rolls, demarcation
and delimitation of constituencies, criteria for voter eligibility, reports, news and events. A
set of frequently asked questions and a detailed telephone directory are also available on
this information-rich site.
Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan
This informative website outlines the Interior Ministry's responsibilities, organizational
structure, details about its various field organizations and their tasks. Useful information is
available for those interested in applying for a passport, ID card, visa or citizenship in
Pakistan, together with relevant downloadable forms. A list of public and optional holidays
and conditions under which Pakistan's flag can be flown are some of the interesting features
of this site. The ministry's policies regarding various issues within its jurisdiction and contact
information are also available online.
NWFP Essential Institutional Reforms Operationalisation Programme (EIROP)
Located in all the districts in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the objective
of the EIROP project is to strengthen public participation in the area of good governance
through its capacity building activities. The aim is to work towards a system which is gender
sensitive, transparent and accountable to the beneficiaries. This website provides
information about its areas of interventions, progress in the fields of research and training,
publications, work plans and progress reports of the project.
Human Development Task Force
A special Task Force on Human Development comprising experts from Pakistan as well as
the international community has been set up by the Government of Pakistan to develop and
help implement an integrated plan of action for universal primary education and adult
literacy, primary health care and micro enterprise at the grassroots level in Pakistan. This
website provides its concept paper in downloadable format, in addition to the project's role,
background and contact information.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan
The Supreme Court of Pakistan is the apex court in the judicial hierarchy of the country. This
website features its brief history, biographies of the honourable judges and a list of officers.
Downloadable reports of various judgments and petitions are also available online.
Important agency-wise socio-economic indicators of FATA 1999
This website comes under the aegis of the Bureau of Statistics, Planning, Environment &
Development Department, Government of NWFP. It contains the eighth issue of important
agency-wise socio-economic indicators of FATA for the year 1998-99, a regular publication
containing interesting and important statistics related to agencies and frontier regions. The
purpose is to help planners, economists and administrators in planning, monitoring and
evaluating progress in the region. Statistical abstracts are available on area and population,
agriculture, crops production, education, health, transport and communication. This site is a
large repository of information regarding FATA's housing, labour force, electricity, local
bodies, public health engineering and annual development programmes.
National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Government of Pakistan
The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) was set up in September 2000 to
examine and review policy, laws and programmes of the Government of Pakistan for
women development and gender equality. This information rich website provides details
about the vision statement, background and history, functions, the full text of the NCSW
ordinance and individual member information. Interesting features include the
recommendations made for women's rights in the light of the Constitution. This includes
political participation, citizenship, family laws, labour and service laws, criminal laws,
Qanun-e-Shahadat, 1984, violence against women, developmental rights and
institutionalization. Links to women-related issues and relevant contact information are also
available online.
Bureau of Statistics, Government of NWFP
This website of the Bureau of Statistics contains the district-wise statistical analysis of
NWFP, searchable by its 24 districts and graphical presentation. Categories include
education, electricity, employment, health, industries, irrigated and forest areas, land
utilization, yield per hectare, population, roads, post offices, rural drinking water and
telephones. Online publications include the development statistics and district-wise socio-
economic indicators of NWFP and FATA. A map of NWFP, the organizational setup of the
Bureau of Statistics, its publications, contact information and related links are also available
on this well-designed site.
The Official Website of the Government of Punjab
This website depicts various aspects of life in Punjab. Its rich history, flourishing economy,
centuries-old cultural heritage, the psyche of the people, colourful fairs and festivals,
delightful arts and crafts, ancient folklore and soul-stirring music are detailed on this site.
The complete text of the 1974 Rules framed under Article 139 of the Constitution for the
conduct of business of the provincial government is also available online. The government's
main, attached departments and autonomous bodies are also accessible here. The "SAAF"
model of government and other departmental documents can also be downloaded, in
addition to links to various Pakistani institutional websites.
Convention on the Political Rights of Women
This website contains the text of the UN Convention on the political rights of women (31st
March 1953).
Statistics Division, Government of Pakistan
The Statistics Division is responsible for the formulation of policies and plans for statistical
development and improvement of statistical services in the country. This website's
introduction begins by outlining the Statistics Division's functions. It provides statistics on
the macro-economic framework and important social indicators of Pakistan. The General
Statistics Act of 1975 is extensively described here, along with the necessary contact
information. Three attached departments of the Statistics Division: the Federal Bureau of
Statistics (FBS), the Population Census Organization (PCO), and the Agricultural Census
Organization (ACO), also provide interesting statistics, reports and publications for students
and researchers on this website.
Ministry of Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis
The Ministry of Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis performs functions broadly
related to policy formulation regarding labour administration, manpower planning, and
employment promotion. The site begins with a brief introduction of its objectives and
organizational structure. "The Future", the news magazine on child labour is also available
here. There are links to government sites, attached departments, autonomous bodies, and
subordinate offices. A news section, relevant contact information, and an online feedback
form are also provided on this site.

Gwadar District
This information rich website goes back to Gwadar's ancient history in its well-written
introduction. It gives details of the hierarchical administrative setup, topography, and
productive sources of economy. Intensive information about Gwadar's customs and beliefs,
climate and environment, industries, social infrastructure, health, telecommunications,
education, population, financial institutions, and NGOs' involvement make for enlightened
reading.
Overseas Pakistanis Foundation
Overseas Pakistanis Foundation was established in March 1979. The Foundation works
under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour, Manpower and Overseas
Pakistanis Government of Pakistan. The mandate of OPF covers its registered members
overseas and their families in Pakistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Their objectives have been
clearly outlined, and great attention has been paid to detail in this website, especially its
seven divisions. A membership form, a list of head and branch offices, and necessary contact
information is also available online. An excellent link to health tips for people touring
Pakistan is also present for the most common ailments.
PAKISTAN: Economic Policy Analysis from MIEPA
The McKeever Institute of Economic Policy Analysis (MIEPA), is a privately funded research
institute, "dedicated to the betterment of mankind through the promotion of sound
economic policies". Their site contains a description of recommended policies together with
student evaluations of a number of individual countries' economic policies. The following
section of the site presents an analysis of the Pakistan government's economic policies
compared to a list of 33 economic policies as prepared by MIEPA.
National Strategies for Sustainable Development
Agenda 21, agreed to at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, calls on all countries to introduce
National Strategies for Sustainable Development (NSSD). OECD's Development Action
Committee (DAC) runs a project that involves a review of experience with NSSDs, and other
strategies for environment and development, in a number of developing countries on the
basis of consultations with a range of stakeholders. This site has been prepared as a web
based planning tool to assist the process - providing necessary background and reference
material in support of these dialogues. Pakistan figures prominently on the site which
provides the latest information on its National Conservation Strategy (NCS), especially the
details of NCS Mid Term Review. Links to other relevant sites are also given.
Governance in Pakistan: The British Council
Governance is about the process of governing but it is not simply about government. It is
the way in which political, legal, administrative, cultural and economic institutions interact
with the interests and demands of citizens to frame the society in which we live. The issues
of governance in Pakistan are varied and represent a large agenda for those seeking to
promote reform. Specific ways in which the British Council has worked in these areas
include Legal and Judicial Affairs, the Status of Women, Management and Administrative
Reform, and the Information Agenda.
Northern Areas of Pakistan
This site gives an overview of the northern areas of Pakistan and its people. Besides the
history of the region, it provides brief profile of northern areas regarding population,
transportation, irrigation, health, education, forestry and agriculture. It also contains a map
of the northern areas.
Democracy and Governance
In the beginning the netter can learn about the different forms of government in the
Asia/Near East regions then the implementation of USAID democracy assistance programs
has been outlined. Freedom House Ratings, 1997, is available. Actually, USAID uses the
Freedom House index of political rights and civil liberties to provide an assessment of
whether a country is free, partly free, or not free. Some statistical findings of such assistance
programs are available too, which enhances the understanding of the surfer about the
democracy and governance of ANE regions (Pakistan is one of the regions).
Governance
A detailed case study over the issue of governance in the local sphere as the issues of
governance has acquired fundamental importance in Pakistan due to large-scale
institutional breakdown in the public sector. These observed facts reflect not only in the
macro economic management but micro level delivery mechanisms of the service unfold the
same picture.
The Constitution of Pakistan
The site carries within substantial information in the context of Constitution. The
amendments proposed or applied, orders effecting the constitution and other insights
concerning topic is engraved on the website. Site is updated with recent and present
situation regarding role of Constitution.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Pakistan
UNDP is part of the United Nations and upholds the vision of the United Nations Charter. It
is committed to the principle that development is inseparable from the quest for peace and
human security and that the United Nations must be a strong force for development as well
as peace. UNDP's mission is to help countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable human
development by assisting them to build their capacity to design and carry out develop
women and the protection and regeneration of the environment, giving first priority to
poverty eradication. UNDP Pakistan addresses the issue of poverty eradication and SHD
through three programme areas: (a) governance; (b) gender; and (c) sustainable livelihoods.
This site is rich in its content. UNDP Pakistan Overview gives a quick overview of the
Programme. The interested user can check out each Thematic Programme Area. For the
ease of the netter a Consolidated Project Listing is also available. The site has links to the
Sub Regional Resource Facility, Regional Governance Programme, Country Cooperation
Framework 1998-2003, and Human Development Center. Moreover, a Media and Advocacy
Page is also maintained on this site. Besides these, Performance Indicators have been
identified. The UNDP main site can also be accessed.
Pakistan's Legislative History
This page contains Pakistan's legislative history, ordinances, amendments, other documents
including enforcement of Shar'iah Act (Act X of 1991) etc.
Lahore High Court
The website of Lahore High Court gives information about the history of Lahore High Court.
It provides links to the constitution, jurisdiction, cause list, judges, roster, history, IT at LHC,
administration, rules and orders, announcements, other links.
Sindh High Court
The website of the High Court of Sindh gives information about the history of Lahore High
Court. It provides links to the constitution, jurisdiction, cause list, judges, roster, history, IT
at LHC, administration, rules and orders, announcements, other links.
National Reconstruction Bureau
The role of the National Reconstruction Bureau is to formulate policy/strategy options for
National Construction for approval by the National Security Council in order to implement
good governance in all the institutions of state. Along with the NRB information we can find
Country Info, Archive/Reference, What’s New and www links.
Law Commission of Pakistan
The main functions of the Commission are: suggesting reforms in laws and statutes including
their modernization, unification and codification; removal of anomalies and inconsistencies
in laws, repeal of obsolete provisions in statutes, adopting effective procedures for
administration of laws to ensure inexpensive and speedy justice, simplifying laws for easy
comprehension and suggesting steps to make the society law-conscious, developing and
augmenting human resources for efficient court administration and case management,
coordinating  judiciary and executive, preparing schemes for access to justices, legal aid and
protection of human rights, administering and managing the access to justice development
fund, introducing reforms in the administration of justice and recommending measures for
improvement in the standard/quality of legal education. 
The site has information on the laws of Pakistan and the judiciary.
National Accountability Bureau
To eradicate corrupt practices, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has been established
through a Presidential Ordinance for a free, transparent, and across the board
accountability, on 16 November 1999. NAB will take effective measures for detection,
investigation, prosecution, and speedy disposal of cases involving corruption, corrupt
practices, misuse/abuse of power, misappropriation of property and kickbacks etc, and for
matters connected and ancillary or incidental thereto.
NAB is a statutory body enjoying total operational independence. The Chairman is
appointed for fixed tenure by the President in consultation with Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court.
This site has information on the cases of corruption that have been instituted by NAB and
information on wanted individuals. It also contains the text of the accountability laws in
Pakistan.
Advanced Legal Studies Institute
The Institute was established in 1997 to promote research in Islamic law and in the laws
prevailing in Muslim countries, particularly in Pakistan. Contain sections on Islamic law,
Islamic Banking and Pakistani law (arranged by topic). Significant sections of the website are
currently under construction but once fully operative it promises to be a useful resource.
Pakistan Lawyer
Pakistani legal website containing searchable database of statutes and case law. Also
includes a directory of lawyers, links to court case lists, and free online legal advice, among
other useful features.
Vakil No. 1
Website containing laws of SAARC countries, including Pakistan
NATLEX
Contains national laws on labour, social security and related human rights. Information
relevant to Pakistan may be found by locating Pakistan in the countries section.
Human Rights Watch
Website of the largest human rights organization based in the United States. The section on
Pakistan contains links to Pakistan-related human rights' reports and information.
British Pakistan Law Council
The British Pakistan Law Council is a newly established bilateral legal organisation founded
in conjunction with The Law Society of England and Wales and interested Pakistani
Practitioners.
The site has information on the registration of Pakistani and British lawyers, law students
and other interested legal organizations. It is a forum for the exchange of legal ideas,
information and technical assistance and legal 'know how', precedents and publications.
The State Bank of Pakistan
The State Bank of Pakistan is the central bank of Pakistan. It manages monetary operations
control over foreign exchange and control over commercial banks and financial institutions.
The Site contains banking laws, notifications and circulars of the State Bank and general
financial information.
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan is the regulator of the corporate sector
and the non-banking financial institiutions. It regulates the stock exchanges, public issue of
securities and other intermediaries in the securities market. The site contains useful
information on the corporate laws of Pakistan.
District and Sessions Court (Karachi East)
The site displays important and basic information about the courts, its administration,
various court services and programs, courts statistics, relevant law material, recent
announcements, and various other general information materials. Most importantly, District
& Sessions Judge has started receiving online complaints, relevant to the courts through this
website. Soon, it will also provide online cause list and case management software link.
Contains some laws.
Guide to Law Online
This site contains various links where information on Pakistan, its Constitution, Economy
and its laws can be obtained
Law and Lawyers
A comprehensive site containing the laws of Pakistan and judgments of the superior courts
of Pakistan.
Pakistan Board of Investment
Contains information on the laws relating to investment in Pakistan.
Central Board of Revenue
Contains information and laws pertaining to Customs, Income Tax and Sales tax.
Privatisation Commission of Pakistan
Contains information and laws on privatization.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
Contains information and laws relating to telecommunications.
Sindh Government
Contains useful information and links on the Province of Sindh.
Private Power and Infrastructure Abroad
Contains the policies governing investment in the Power sector in Pakistan.
AALIZEH
This product is the result of the trust entrusted by the honorable apex courts chief justices
of Sindh and NWFP by allowing AAliZeHH Enterprises to report judgments of Sindh and
NWFP High Courts, Pakistan. Reporting of the judgments by these apex courts are in the
form of electronic law journal under the name of AAliZeHH e-Law. AAliZeHH's concept
behind this electronic publication is to support its corporate philosophy of saving the
environment and providing better research facilities to lawyers, advocates, attorneys, and
other professional who need to remain current with the latest verdicts of the superior
courts.

Pakistan Law Site

This is one stop resource site for Statutes, Rules and Cases relating to Pakistan. This site is
one of its kind and houses all the federal and provincial statutes and cases related to these
statutes. Taxation, Service, Copyright, State planning, Labour and all kinds of Fiscal statutes
are covered in this site. Moreover there are more than 1200 Essays and writing and other
legal documents available here. It also houses all the Journals of PLD Publishers that are
PLD, SCMR, CLC, PCrLJ, PTD, PLC, CLD, YLR.