Amendments In The Constitution Of Pakistan ,1973

 

The Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, has undergone several amendments since its inception. These amendments have been made to address various political, social, and legal issues that have arisen over the years. In this comprehensive response, we will discuss the major amendments that have been made to the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973.

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1. Eighth Amendment (1985):
The Eighth Amendment was introduced by General Zia-ul-Haq's military regime in 1985. This amendment granted extensive powers to the President, including the power to dissolve the National Assembly and dismiss the Prime Minister. It also allowed the President to appoint and dismiss judges of the superior courts. The amendment also introduced the "Shariat Court," which was empowered to examine and strike down any law that was deemed inconsistent with Islamic principles.

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2. Seventeenth Amendment (2003):
The Seventeenth Amendment was passed during the presidency of General Pervez Musharraf in 2003. This amendment aimed to strengthen the role of the President and curtail the powers of the Prime Minister. It introduced several changes, including the establishment of a National Security Council (NSC) comprising military and civilian officials to oversee national security matters. The amendment also provided immunity to certain actions taken by Musharraf during his rule.

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3. Eighteenth Amendment (2010):
The Eighteenth Amendment was a significant milestone in Pakistan's constitutional history as it aimed to restore parliamentary democracy and devolve power from the President to other institutions. This amendment repealed several controversial provisions introduced by previous military regimes and restored the original text of the Constitution. It also brought about changes in various areas, including provincial autonomy, judicial appointments, and electoral reforms.

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The Eighteenth Amendment abolished the concurrent legislative list, transferring most subjects from this list to provincial control. It also increased provincial autonomy by giving provinces greater control over their resources and finances. The amendment also established a Judicial Commission for appointments of judges in higher courts, ensuring transparency and meritocracy in the judiciary.

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Furthermore, the Eighteenth Amendment introduced changes to the electoral system, including the appointment of a caretaker government during elections and the establishment of an Election Commission with enhanced powers. It also increased the number of reserved seats for women in the National and Provincial Assemblies.

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These are just a few examples of the amendments made to the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. Other notable amendments include the Thirteenth Amendment (1997), which introduced a separate election system for minorities, and the Twenty-First Amendment (2015), which established military courts to try terrorism-related cases.

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In conclusion, the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, has been amended several times to address various political, social, and legal issues. These amendments have aimed to strengthen democracy, devolve power, and ensure greater transparency and accountability in governance.

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