Politics of Pakistan

Politics of Pakistan سیاسیاتِ پاکستان
State emblem of Pakistan
Polity type	Federalparliamentaryconstitutional republic
Constitution	Constitution of Pakistan
Legislative branch
Name	Parliament
Type	Bicameral
Upper house
Name	Senate
Presiding officer	Yusuf Raza Gilani,Chairman
Appointer	Elected by theSenate
Lower house
Name	National Assembly
Presiding officer	Sardar Ayaz Sadiq,Speaker
Appointer	Elected by theNational Assembly
Executive branch
Head of State
Title	President
Currently	Asif Ali Zardari
Appointer	Electoral College
Head of Government
Title	Prime Minister
Currently	Shehbaz Sharif
Appointer	Election Commission of PakistanthroughGeneral Elections: by aConventionthat is held in theNational Assembly,based on appointee's ability tocommand confidenceamong the majority of the members.
Cabinet
Name	Cabinet of Pakistan
Current cabinet	Shehbaz Sharif ministry
Leader	Prime Minister
Appointer	President
Headquarters	Pakistan Secretariat
Ministries	30
Judicial branch
Name	Judiciary of Pakistan
Supreme Court
Chief judge	Qazi Faez Isa
Seat	Supreme Court Building

ThePolitics of Pakistan(سیاسیاتِ پاکستان;ISO:Siyāsiyāt-e-Pākistāna) takes place within the framework established by theconstitution.The country is afederalparliamentary republicin whichprovincial governmentsenjoy a high degree of autonomy and residuary powers. Executive power is vested with thenational cabinetwhich is headed byPrime Minister of Pakistan(Shehbaz Sharifsince 3 March, 2024), who works with the bicameralparliamentand thejudiciary.Stipulations set by the constitution provide a delicatecheck and balanceofsharing powersbetweenexecutive,legislative,andjudicialbranches of thegovernment.

Thehead of stateis thepresidentwho is elected by theelectoral collegefor a five-year term.Asif Ali Zardariis currently the president of Pakistan (since 2024). The president was a significant authority until the18th amendment,passed in 2010, stripped the presidency of most of its powers. Since then, Pakistan has shifted from aSemi-presidential systemto a purelyparliamentary government.Since the amendment, the president's powers include the right to pardon and the ability to suspend or moderate any sentence passed by any court or authority.

The government consists of three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. The Executive branch consists of the Cabinet and is led by the Prime Minister. It is totally independent of the legislative branch that consists of abicameralparliament.The Upper House is theSenatewhilst theNational Assemblyis the lower house.TheJudicial branchforms with the composition of theSupreme Courtas anapex court,alongside thehigh courtsand otherinferior courts.The judiciary's function is to interpret theConstitutionand federal laws and regulations.

Pakistan is amultiparty democracywhere several political parties compete for seats in the National and Provincial assemblies. However, as an aftermath of theFall of Dhakain 1971, a two-party system was developed between thePeople's PartyandMuslim League.There has also been a sharp rise in the popularity of centrist parties such asPML-QandPTI.TheArmed Forceshas historically played aninfluential rolein the country's politics, although it has declined in recent years.From 1950s to 2000s, severalcoupswere staged that overthrew democratic regimes.After the resignation ofPresident Pervez Musharrafin 2008, a sharp line has been drawn between the "military establishment"and politics and Pakistan is moving closer to becoming ademocracyaftergeneral elections in 2013.Imran Khanascended to leadership in 2018 with the backing of the military, but was subsequently removed from power in 2022 after losing that support.However, he won re-election in 2024.No Prime Minister of Pakistan has ever completed their full length tenure.I

TheEconomist Intelligence Unitrated Pakistan an "authoritarian regime"in 2023.According to theV-Dem Democracy indicesPakistan was 2023 the 20th most electoraldemocratic country in Asia.In 2023, according to Freedom in the World, report byFreedom House,Pakistan is categorised as a "partly free" country and it is categorised as "not free" in terms of internet freedom.

Executive branch

The current and former Presidents of Pakistan, in keeping with the constitutional provision that the state religion is Islam, must be Muslim. Elected for a five-year term by anElectoral Collegeconsisting of members of the Senate and National Assembly and members of the provincial assemblies, the president is eligible for re-election. But no individual may hold the office for more than two consecutive terms. The president may resign or be impeached and may be removed from office due to incapacity or gross misconduct by a two-thirds vote of the members of the parliament. The president generally acts on the advice of the prime minister but has importantresidual powers.

In the past one of these powers —a legacy of military dictator GeneralMuhammad Zia-ul-Haq— has included the president's discretionary ability to dissolve the National Assembly when "a situation has arisen in which the Government of the Federation cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and an appeal to the electorate is necessary."This power has twice been granted —by theEighth Amendmentin 1985 (under the Zia dictatorship) and by theSeventeenth Amendmentin 2003 (under the military rule of GeneralPervez Musharraf) —and has twice been revoked— by theThirteenth Amendmentin 1997 (by thePakistan Muslim League (N)) and under theEighteenth Amendmentin 2010 (by thePakistan Peoples Party). Despite this most recent power-stripping, the President remains theex officiochair of theNational Security Council,as per the National Security Act 2004.

The prime minister is appointed by the members of the National Assembly through a vote. 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. The Federal Cabinet consists of ministers, ministers of state, and advisers. As of early 1994, there were thirty-three ministerial portfolios: commerce; communications; culture; defence; defence production; education; environment; finance and economic affairs; food and agriculture; foreign affairs; health; housing; information and broadcasting; interior; Kashmiri affairs and Northern Areas; law and justice; local government; minority affairs; narcotics control; parliamentary affairs; petroleum and natural resources production; planning and development; railways; religious affairs; science and technology; social welfare; special education; sports; state and frontier regions; tourism; water and power; women's development; and youth affairs.

Legislative branch

The bicameral federal legislature consists of the Senate (upper house) and National Assembly (lower house). According to Article 50 of the Constitution, the National Assembly, the Senate and the President together make up a body known as theMajlis-e-Shoora(Council of Advisers).

Pakistan's democracy has norecallmethod. However, past governments have been dismissed for corruption by the President's invocation of Article 58 of the Constitution. The President's power to dismiss the Prime Minister and dissolve the National Assembly was removed by theThirteenth Amendmentand partially restored by theSeventeenth Amendment.

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. Both the Senate and the National Assembly can initiate and pass legislation except for finance bills. Only the National Assembly can approve the federal budget and all finance bills. In the case of other bills, the president may prevent passage unless the legislature in joint sitting overrules the president by a majority of members of both houses present and voting. Unlike the National Assembly, the Senate cannot be dissolved by the President.

National Assembly

National Assembly of Pakistan

Members of the National Assembly are elected by universal adult suffrage (formerly twenty-one years of age and older but the seventeenth amendment changed it to eighteen years of age.). 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.

Judicial Branch

The judiciary includes theSupreme Court,provincial high courts, District & sessions Courts, Civil and Magistrate courts exercising civil and criminal jurisdiction.Some federal and provincial courts and tribunals such as Services court, Income tax & excise court, Banking court and Boards of Revenue's Tribunals are as well established in all provinces.

Supreme Court

In reference of ARTICLE 175 (A) APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES

The Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction.

(1) There shall be a Judicial Commission of Pakistan, hereinafter in this Article referred to as the commission, for appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court, High Courts and the Federal Shariat Court, as hereinafter provided.

(2) For appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court, the Commission shall consist of---

(i) Chief Justice of Pakistan; Chairman (ii) [four] most senior Judges of the Supreme Court;Member (iii) a former Chief Justice or a former Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan to be nominated by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, in consultation with the [four] member Judges, for a term of two years; Member (iv) Federal Minister for Law and Justice;Member (v) Attorney-General for Pakistan; and Member (vi) a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan nominated by the Pakistan Bar Council for a term of two years.

(3) Now withstanding anything contained in clause (1) or clause (2), the President shall appoint the most senior Judge of the Supreme Court as the Chief Justice of Pakistan. The chief justice and judges of the Supreme Court may remain in office until age sixty-five: now 68 years and this is also another clause of seventeenth amendment.

Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan

TheFederal Shariat Court(FSC) of Pakistan is a court which has the power to examine and determine whether the laws of the country comply with Shari'a law. It consists of 8 Muslim judges appointed by the President of Pakistan after consulting the Chief Justice of this Court, from amongst the serving or retired judges of the Supreme Court or a High Court or from amongst persons possessing the qualifications of judges of a High Court. Of the eight judges, three are required to be Ulema who are well versed in Islamic law. The judges hold office for a period of three years, which may eventually be extended by the President. Appeal against its decisions lie to the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of three Muslim judges of the Supreme Court and two Ulema, appointed by the President. If any part of the law is declared to be against Islamic law, the government is required to take the necessary steps to amend such law appropriately. The court also exercises revisional jurisdiction over the criminal courts, deciding Hudood cases. The decisions of the court are binding on the High Courts as well as subordinate judiciary. The court appoints its own staff and frames its own rules of procedure. Ever since its establishment in 1980, the Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan has been the subject of criticism and controversy in society. Created as an Islamisation measure by the military regime and subsequently protected under the controversial 8th Amendment, its opponents question the very rationale and utility of this institution. It is stated that this court merely duplicates the functions of the existing superior courts and also operates as a check on the sovereignty of Parliament. The composition of the court, particularly the mode of appointment of its judges and the insecurity of their tenure, is taken exception to, and it is alleged, that this court does not fully meet the criterion prescribed for the independence of the judiciary. That is to say, it is not immune to pressures and influences from the Executive. In the past, this court was used as a refuge for the recalcitrant judges. And whereas some of its judgments, particularly the ones which rely on the Islamic concept of equity, justice and fair play, expanded and enlarged the scope and contents of individual's rights were commended, others that tend to restrict the rights of women, are severely criticised and deplored.

Provincial High Courts

In every province, there is one High Court. Currently all four provincesPunjab,Sindh,Khyber PakhtunkhwaandBalochistanhave High courts, respectively calledLahore High Court,Sindh High Court,Peshawar High Court,andBalochistan High Court.After the approval of18th Constitutional Amendmentin April 2010, a new High court is established at Federal Capital Islamabad with the name ofIslamabad High Court.In 18th Amendment, judges appointments are proposed by a Parliamentary Commission. Judges of the provincial high courts were, previously appointed (Theseventeenth amendmentgive these powers to the president, previously Prime minister exercised them) by the president after consultation with the chief justice of the Supreme Court, as well as the governor of the province and the chief justice of the high court to which the appointment is being made. High courts have original and appellate jurisdiction.

In addition, there are special courts and tribunals to deal with specific kinds of cases, such as drug courts, commercial courts, labour courts, traffic courts, an insurance appellate tribunal, an income tax appellate tribunal, and special courts for bank offences. There are also special courts to try terrorists. Appeals from special courts go to high courts except for labour and traffic courts, which have their own forums for appeal. Appeals from the tribunals go to the Supreme Court.

Ombudsman/Mohtasib

A further feature of the judicial system is the office of Mohtasib (Ombudsman), which is provided for in the constitution. The office of Mohtasib was established in many early Muslim states to ensure that no wrongs were done to citizens. Appointed by the president, the Mohtasib holds office for four years; the term cannot be extended or renewed. The Mohtasib's purpose is to institutionalise a system for enforcing administrative accountability, through investigating and rectifying any injustice done to a person through maladministration by a federal agency or a federal government official. The Mohtasib is empowered to award compensation to those who have suffered loss or damage as a result of maladministration. Excluded from jurisdiction, however, are personal grievances or service matters of a public servant as well as matters relating to foreign affairs, national defence, and the armed services. This institution is designed to bridge the gap between administrator and citizen, to improve administrative processes and procedures, and to help curb misuse of discretionary powers.

Pakistan has been ruled by both democratic and military governments. The first decade was marred with political unrest and instability, with frequent collapses of civilian democratic governments that eventually led to the 1958 military coup. From 1947 until now, Pakistan has been governed by various of both right-wing conservative governments and left-wing socialistic oriented governments, while neither far-right and far-left had failed to achieve enough majority to claim the exclusive mandate. From 1947 to 1958 as many as seven Prime Ministers of Pakistan either resigned or were ousted. On 7 October 1958 Pakistan's civilian and first President Iskander Mirza in collaboration with General Mohammad Ayub Khan abrogated Pakistan's constitution and declared Martial Law.

General Ayub Khan was the president from 1958 to 1969, and General Yahya Khan from 1969 to 1971, Chief Justice Habib Khan Marvath elected first Chairman Senate of Pakistan. Civilian, yet socialist-oriented autocratic, rule continued from 1972 to 1977 underZulfikar Ali Bhutto,but he was deposed by General Zia-Ul-Haq. General Zia was killed in a plane crash in 1988, after which Benazir Bhutto, daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was elected as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. She was the youngest woman ever to be elected the Head of Government and the first woman to be elected as the Head of Government of a Muslim country. Her government was followed by that of Nawaz Sharif, and the two leaders alternated until the military coup by General Pervez Musharraf in 1999. From the resignation of President Rafiq Tarar in 2001, to his own resignation in 2008, Musharraf was the President of Pakistan. In 2008, Asif Ali Zardari was elected president.

Form of Government

Officially a federalIslamic republic,Pakistan has had a long history of alternating periods of electoral democracy andauthoritarianmilitary government. Militarypresidentsinclude GeneralAyub Khanin the 1960s, General Yahya Khan, General Zia ul Haq in the 1980s, and General Pervez Musharraf from 1999. However, a majority of Pakistan'sHeads of StateandHeads of Governmenthave been elected civilian leaders. General elections were held in October 2002. After monitoring the elections, the Commonwealth Observer Group stated in conclusion:

We believe that on election day this was a credible election: the will of the people was expressed and the results reflected their wishes. However, in the context of various measures taken by the government we are not persuaded of the overall fairness of the process as a whole.

On 22 May 2004, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group re-admitted Pakistan into theCommonwealth,formally acknowledging its progress in returning to democracy.

Kashmir in Pakistani politics

Kashmir(Azad Kashmir) has its own constitution, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution Act of 1974, and a locally chosen parliamentary form of government, as described above. The constitution allows for many of the structures that compose a self-governing state, including a legislative assembly elected through periodic elections, a prime minister who commands the majority in the assembly, an indirectly elected president, an independent judiciary, and local government institutions.

However, an override exists in the form of Section 56 of the Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution Act (which was drafted by the Federal Ministries of Law and Kashmir Affairs in Islamabad), the Pakistani government can dismiss any elected government in Azad Kashmir irrespective of the support it may enjoy in theAJK Legislative Assembly.The Interim Constitution Act provides for two executive forums—theAzad Kashmir Governmentin Muzaffarabad and the Azad Kashmir Council in Islamabad.

The latter body, presided over by thePrime Minister of Pakistan,exercises paramount authority over theAJK Legislative Assembly,which cannot challenge decisions of the council. The council is under the numerical control of the federal government in Islamabad, as in addition to the Pakistani prime minister it comprises six other federal ministers, the minister of Kashmir affairs as the ex-officio member, the prime minister of Azad Kashmir, and six Azad Kashmir members elected by the Legislative Assembly.38 The interim constitution act lists fifty-two subjects—virtually everything of any importance—that are under the jurisdiction of the Azad Kashmir Council, which has been described as the "supra power" by the Azad Kashmir High Court. Its decisions are final and not subject to judicial review.

Thus,Azad Kashmirremains for all intents and purposes under Pakistan's strict control, exercising no real sovereignty of its own. From the outset, the institutional set up in the territory was designed to ensure Pakistan's control of the area's affairs. According to theUnited Nations Commission for India and Pakistan(UNCIP) 39 resolutions, Azad Kashmir is neither a sovereign state nor a province of Pakistan, but rather a "local authority" with responsibility over the area assigned to it under the current 2003 ceasefire line agreement. 40 The "local authority" orProvisional governmentof Azad Kashmir as established in October 1947 handed over to Pakistan under theKarachi Agreementof 28 April 1949, matters related to defence, foreign affairs, negotiations with the UNCIP and coordination of all affairs relating to Gilgit and Baltistan (strategically important territories that now constitute Pakistan's "Northern Areas" ).

Provincial Governments

See also:Federalism in Pakistan

Pakistan is subdivided into four provinces, one territory, and one capital territory. Each province has a Provincial Assembly, a directly elected legislature. Members are elected for five-year terms. Each Assembly elects a Chief Minister, who then selects the ministers of his or her cabinet.

• Islamabad Capital Territory
• Balochistan
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
• Punjab
• Sindh
• Gilgit–Baltistan(part of the disputed territory ofKashmir)
• Azad Kashmir*

Note:Azad Kashmir is federally administered and is a "Local authority".

Municipal Governments

Pakistan's provinces are divided into districts calledzillasin local languages (counterpart to a county in US or UK terminology). Azillais further subdivided intotehsils(roughly equivalent to a borough in an integrated multi-tier (federated) systemic context, such as the one to be found in Montreal (Canada, 2002) and Birmingham (UK, 2001 announcement) or known asarrondissementsin French context. Tehsils may contain town or municipalities. Pakistan's system is the one that applies an integrated federated systemic framework most comprehensively, so far.

This methodology is not new to the region, as it is similar to what is referred to as the oldPanchayat Raj systemin India that was introduced by Britain during the colonial era. In the 1890s Britain had become the first nation to adapt the two-tier administrative framework of revolutionary Paris (1790) onto pre-existing parish councils in the urban context (London) and into three tiers in the rural context (county, district, parish councils). In India it was implemented in some regions and not others; and then allowed to lie fallow. It got new life after the very successful West Bengal revival in the 1970s, which eventually inspired the 1990s Constitutional Amendment making it national policy.

The main difference is that Pakistan is the only country with an urban framework, as well, in the region today; and Pakistan's system has common-representational framework between tiers (as Montreal and Birmingham also have in two-tier context—even though Birmingham is working on implementing a three-tier system); and, it has a bottom-up representational framework like the Canadian example. Pakistan had the only three-tier integrated bottom-up common-representational local government system, until it was adapted for another country in 2003. UK, the country which first introduced this methodology in the region, also has the urban examples of London and Birmingham (being implemented in the post-2001 era by building on steps first introduced in the 1980s); as does France (where largest cities and smaller units have created such frameworks either by devolution (Marseilles and Lyon, in addition to Paris) or by integration of neighbouring units (such as the Nantes region pursuant to the Marcellin Act of the 1970s); and Canada.

This methodology is being increasingly adapted, as it delivers greater systemic productivity, being a more inclusive framework that provides greater regional integration. In the US, the seven county Twin Cities (MN) regional system and Portland (OR) Metro are both the most integrated US examples; but, also those often cited in the US for what they have achieved. These US examples — with their multi-county framework — are similar to what is in place in France after regional unit introduction (making France have a three-tier systemic framework also in the Commune (municipal/lowest tier local unit), Department (county), Regional unit context). Multi-county frameworks are suitable for a very suburbanised system like in the US. After France and Britain, the Indian colony of Britain was the third region to see this methodology implemented.

There are over five thousand local governments in Pakistan. Since 2001, the vast majority of these have been led by democratically elected local councils, each headed by aNazim(mayor or supervisor.) Council elections are held every four years.

Foreign relations

Main article:Foreign relations of Pakistan

The Map of Pakistan

Pakistanis the second largestMuslimcountry in terms of population, and its status as adeclared nuclear power,being the only Muslim nation to have that status, plays a part in its international role. It is also an active member of theUnited Nations.Historically, its foreign policy has encompassed difficultrelations with India,a desire for a stableAfghanistan,long-standing closerelations with the People's Republic of China,extensive security and economic interests in thePersian Gulfand wide-ranging bilateralrelations with the United Statesand other Western countries. Pakistan is also an important member of theOrganisation of Islamic Cooperation(OIC). Pakistan has used the OIC as a forum forEnlightened Moderation,its plan to promote arenaissanceandenlightenmentin the Islamic world.

Wary ofSovietexpansion, Pakistan had strong relations with both theUnited States of Americaand thePeople's Republic of Chinaduring much of theCold War. It was a member of theCENTOandSEATOmilitary alliances. Its alliance with the United States was especially close after the Sovietsinvadedthe neighbouring country ofAfghanistan.

In 1964, Pakistan signed theRegional Cooperation for Development(RCD) Pact with Turkey and Iran, when all three countries were closely allied with the U.S., and as neighbours of the Soviet Union, wary of perceived Soviet expansionism. To this day, Pakistan has a close relationship with Turkey. RCD became defunct after the Iranian Revolution, and a Pakistani-Turkish initiative led to the founding of theEconomic Cooperation Organization(ECO) in 1985. Pakistan's relations with India have improved recently and this has opened up Pakistan's foreign policy to issues beyond security. This development might completely change the complexion of Pakistan's foreign relations. Pakistan joinedNon-Aligned Movementin 1979. But Pakistan's non-alignment is highly contested as it shows significant inclination towards China in all spheres, including politics.

Pakistan's relations are further deteriorating with America and its allies due to closeness of Pakistan with China, as the United States and China are competing over several issues including trade, supply chains, geopolitics and military technology development.Pakistan's decades-long rivalry and conflict withU.S. strategic partner Indiaalso poses difficulties for the country's efforts to improve relations with the United States.

Involvement of foreigners with Pakistani politics and politicians

At times there have been claims of foreigners getting very close to Pakistani political leaderships and deep state dispensations and have had possible indirect influential roles.Nahid Iskander Mirza (1919-2019), also cousin to Nusarat Bhutto, who was allegedly the wife of a military attaché at the Iranian embassy in Pakistan, marriedIskander Mirza,erstwhile president of Pakistan and claimed to have been instrumental in meeting out boundary concessions to Iran.Joanne Herring,an American socialite, is widely believed to have influenced General Zia Ul Haq's foreign policies.Since the 2010s another American socialiteCynthia D. Ritchieclaims her close association with Pakistani establishment.

Sensitive issues

Political neutrality of Military

See also:Criticism of the Pakistan Armed Forces

The influence of the Pakistani military in politics has always been a topic of debate.The Freedom House also commented that the military exerts enormous influence over security and policy issues, intimidates the press, and enjoys impunity for indiscriminate or extralegal use of force. Islamist militants are known to carry out attacks on religious minorities and other perceived opponents in the country.

Political chaos, economic crisis and security threats test Pakistan’s fragile state as the military seeks to retain control.In May 2023, Pakistan witnessed a staggering record inflation rate of 38 per cent compared to the same period the previous year. Over the past 12 months, the average inflation rate stood at 30 per cent, significantly impacting the affordability of daily essentials such as food and transportation for the poor and middle-class. The country's economy is teetering on the brink of collapse, attributed to years of financial mismanagement, natural disasters, and political turmoil.

New political map

On 4 August 2020, Prime Minister Imran Khan unveiled a "new political map" of Pakistan which shows the whole Kashmir region (excluding areas ofAksai Chinunder Chinese control) and the formerPrincely stateofJunagadhas Pakistani territory.This move was condemned by India which cited this move as a violation of international laws, and a clear provocation by Pakistan. However Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said the only solution to the Kashmir issue was through the UN Resolution 39, adopted back on January 20, 1948, and which gave the right to Kashmiris to either merge with Pakistan or India. "India is trying to shift people to Kashmir in a bid to make Kashmiris a minority in the region". PM Imran reiterated that his government would raise the plight of Kashmiris on every forum possible. "This map is the first step and our struggle for Kashmir will move forward".

See also

• Political history of Pakistan
• Political parties in Pakistan
• List of Pakistani political families
• Government of Pakistan
• Political families of Pakistan
• Court system of Pakistan
• Pakistan National Commission for Minorities

External links

• Pakistan GovernmentatCurlie
• Government of PakistanArchived23 March 2005 at theWayback Machine
• Decentralization in Pakistani Perspective
• Essay on democracy in Pakistanby ProfessorAdil NajamofFletcher School of Law and Diplomacy,Tufts University
• Politics discussion in Pakistan
• Government Jobs in Pakistan