The Provincial Assembly of Pakistan: Structure, Functions, and Powers
1. Introduction
In the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, provinces were granted more power and independence. Each of the four provinces has a Provincial Assembly, which plays a crucial role in provincial governance.
2. Relevant Provisions
Art 106-128
3. Formation
The following table shows the number of members in each Provincial Assembly:
| Province | Total Seats | General Seats | Women | Minorities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab | 371 | 297 | 66 | 8 |
| Sindh | 168 | 130 | 29 | 9 |
| N.W.F.P | 124 | 99 | 22 | 3 |
| Baluchistan | 65 | 51 | 11 | 3 |
| Total | 728 | 577 | 128 | 23 |
4. Conditions for Voting/Electorate
A person is entitled to vote if they meet the following criteria:
- They are a citizen of Pakistan.
- They are not less than 18 years old (LFO).
- Their name appears on the electoral roll for any area in the province.
- They are of sound mind.
5. Qualifications for Membership
A person can be elected as a member of the Provincial Assembly if they meet the following criteria:
(a) Sound Mind
They are of sound mind.
(b) Education
They have a Bachelor’s degree recognized by the Higher Education Commission.
(c) Age
They are not less than 25 years old.
(d) Name in Electoral Roll
Their name appears on the electoral roll of the province.
(e) Not be Insolvent
They are not insolvent.
(f) Citizen of Pakistan
They are a citizen of Pakistan.
(g) Should Not Hold Any Office of Profit
They do not hold any office of profit in the service of Pakistan.
6. Duration of Assembly
A Provincial Assembly shall continue for a term of 5 years from the day of its first meeting.
7. Method of Election
Members of Provincial Assemblies are elected by direct and free votes of the electors.
8. Presiding Officer
The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Provincial Assembly. They are elected by the Assembly in its first session.
9. Summoning and Prorogation of Session
The Governor may, from time to time:
- Summon the Provincial Assembly to meet at such time and place as they think fit.
- Prorogue the Provincial Assembly.
10. Sessions
According to the Constitution, the Provincial Assembly shall hold at least two sessions in a year, and the interval between two sittings shall not be more than four months.
11. Quorum
The Assembly shall make all decisions by a majority vote. The quorum of the Provincial Assembly is one-fourth of the total membership.
12. Oath Taking
The members of the Provincial Assembly take their oath of office before the Speaker in a joint meeting.
13. Dissolution of Assembly
:
Governor may dissolve the provincial assembly if so advised by the Chief minister and president of Pakistan.
15. Powers and functions of provincial assembly:
Following are the main functions and powers of provincial assemblies.
(i) Legislation:
Provincial assembly holds full authority of legislation. it can pass the bills by majority. it can approve or disapprove an ordinance issued by the governor. the provincial assembly may legislate on those matter which are in the concurrent legislative list.
(ii) Executive:
Provincial assembly controls the executive and it is answerable to the assembly. provincial assembly elects its speak, deputy speaker and Chief minister the provincial cabinet is answerable to assembly. the government policies and performance are criticized on the assembly.
(iii) Financial:
Provincial assembly has full control over financial matter of province. The budget is laid before the assembly every years and it is discussed in detail in the assembly. no tax can be imposed without the approval of assembly.
(iv) Revocation of complaints:
The members of provincial assembly are the representative of the people. they discuss the main problems of the people in the assembly and solve them.
16. Restriction on discussion in a provincial assembly:
A Provincial assembly can not discuss the conduct of any judge of high court or supreme court of Pakistan in connection with discharge of his duties.
17. Right of governor to address the provincial assembly:
The governor may address the provincial assembly.
18. Right of Advocate general to speaker in the assembly:
Advocate general has right to speak in the provincial assembly.
19: Conclusion:
To conclude I can say that; Pakistan consists of four provinces which have their own provincial assemblies. provincial assembly is elected for the term of five years. they governor dissolve the provincial assembly. Provincial assembly is legislative institution for a province.
15. Powers and functions of provincial assembly:
Following are the main functions and powers of provincial assemblies.
(i) Legislation:
Provincial assembly holds full authority of legislation. it can pass the bills by majority. it can approve or disapprove an ordinance issued by the governor. the provincial assembly may legislate on those matter which are in the concurrent legislative list.
(ii) Executive:
Provincial assembly controls the executive and it is answerable to the assembly. provincial assembly elects its speak, deputy speaker and Chief minister the provincial cabinet is answerable to assembly. the government policies and performance are criticized on the assembly.
(iii) Financial:
Provincial assembly has full control over financial matter of province. The budget is laid before the assembly every years and it is discussed in detail in the assembly. no tax can be imposed without the approval of assembly.
(iv) Revocation of complaints:
The members of provincial assembly are the representative of the people. they discuss the main problems of the people in the assembly and solve them.
16. Restriction on discussion in a provincial assembly:
A Provincial assembly can not discuss the conduct of any judge of high court or supreme court of Pakistan in connection with discharge of his duties.
17. Right of governor to address the provincial assembly:
The governor may address the provincial assembly.
18. Right of Advocate general to speaker in the assembly:
Advocate general has right to speak in the provincial assembly.
19: Conclusion:
To conclude I can say that; Pakistan consists of four provinces which have their own provincial assemblies. provincial assembly is elected for the term of five years. they governor dissolve the provincial assembly. Provincial assembly is legislative institution for a province.