1973 Constitutions MCQS

The National Assembly must hold at least three sessions per year. This ensures regular legislative work and accountability of the executive, giving members the opportunity to discuss policies and pass laws efficiently.

Decisions are taken by majority vote of members present. This democratic process ensures that the Assembly functions efficiently, reflecting collective representation rather than individual authority.

🏛️ Current Composition of the Senate

Total Members: 96

Representation:

Provinces: Each of the four provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan) elects 23 senators, totaling 92.

Federal Capital: Islamabad elects 4 senators.

Reserved Seats:

Women: 17 seats reserved for women.

Technocrats/Ulema: 17 seats reserved for technocrats and ulema.

Non-Muslim Minorities: 4 seats reserved for non-Muslim minorities (one from each province).

🗳️ Recent Changes

The reduction from 104 to 96 members occurred following the merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the 25th Amendment in May 2018. This merger led to the abolition of 8 Senate seats previously allocated to FATA, thereby reducing the total number of Senate members to 96.

The Chairman and Deputy Chairman serve three-year terms. This term ensures continuity and stability while allowing periodic elections to uphold democratic accountability.

A candidate must be at least 25 years old to contest National Assembly elections. This age requirement ensures maturity, understanding of legislative responsibilities, and the ability to represent constituents effectively.

Under Article 63-A of the Constitution of Pakistan:

A member who votes contrary to the direction of their Parliamentary Party (also called “floor-crossing” or “defection”) does not automatically get disqualified.

The head of the political party must make a declaration to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) requesting action against the member.

Only after the ECP considers the declaration and verifies that the member violated party directives, can the seat be declared vacant and the member be disqualified.

So, in your MCQ:

Question:
What happens to a member of a Parliamentary Party who votes contrary to the direction issued by the Parliamentary Party in relation to the election of the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister?

Correct Answer:
B) They are declared to have defected from the political party. ✅

Explanation (5–6 lines):
When a member votes against their Parliamentary Party’s direction, they are considered to have defected. However, they are not automatically disqualified. The head of the political party must file a complaint with the Election Commission of Pakistan. The ECP then investigates and can declare the member’s seat vacant if the violation is confirmed. This process ensures due procedure is followed and protects the rights of both the member and the party.

If a member is found to have violated party directives, their seat becomes vacant. This ensures accountability, reinforces constitutional provisions, and preserves the integrity of parliamentary representation.

According to Article 41 of the Constitution, a person must be at least 45 years old to qualify for election as President. This ensures sufficient maturity and experience for the highest constitutional office. It also helps maintain the dignity and authority of the presidency.

Question:
What is the condition for the validity of proceedings in Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) as per the Constitution of Pakistan?

Constitutional Basis:

Article 64 and related provisions of the Constitution of Pakistan require a quorum for parliamentary proceedings to be valid.

A quorum is the minimum number of members that must be present in the House during any sitting.

Without a quorum, decisions, resolutions, or votes cannot be considered legally valid.

✅ Correct Answer:

A) The presence of a specific number of members

📝 Explanation (5–6 lines):

The Constitution mandates that a minimum number of members (quorum) must be present for any proceedings of the Majlis-e-Shoora to be valid. This ensures that decisions are representative and not taken by only a few members. The quorum protects the democratic principle of collective participation and prevents any single group from dominating the legislative process. It applies to both the National Assembly and the Senate.

The President is elected for a term of 5 years. This term can be renewed if the person is re-elected. Fixed tenure provides stability to the executive office and ensures periodic democratic evaluation of the President’s performance.

A Money Bill deals with taxation, expenditure, or financial obligations. Article 73 mandates it must originate in the National Assembly, ensuring financial accountability and legislative oversight.

Article 45 empowers the President to grant pardons or commute sentences. This constitutional power serves as a mercy provision to correct judicial errors or show leniency in special circumstances. It is exercised sparingly and responsibly.

The Speaker’s determination is final, providing clarity and preventing disputes. This ensures proper legislative procedure and preserves the authority of the National Assembly in financial matters.

The Speaker must transmit the removal notice to the President within 3 days. This ensures the process is swift and prevents unnecessary delays. It is a constitutional safeguard to maintain parliamentary accountability and government efficiency.

The Federal Consolidated Fund holds all government revenues, loans, and repayments. It is the main source for government expenditure, ensuring transparency and central management of public funds.

The joint sitting of Parliament must convene within 7–14 days after receiving the notice. This period allows members to prepare for discussion while ensuring the process is not delayed, maintaining constitutional efficiency.

All demands for grants require Federal Government recommendation. This ensures proper authorization, coordination, and accountability before public money is allocated or spent.

The President may appear and be represented during a joint sitting but cannot vote. This maintains the impartiality of the President while allowing oversight of legislative processes, upholding the separation of powers.

Under Article 58, the President may dissolve the National Assembly under certain conditions. This constitutional provision is a check on parliamentary functionality and ensures governance can be re-evaluated if necessary.

The President must act within 10 days according to Article 48. This ensures that the Prime Minister’s advice is implemented promptly, preventing executive delays, and maintaining smooth governance.

A person cannot simultaneously be a member of multiple assemblies. This prevents conflicts of interest and ensures representatives focus on their legislative responsibilities in one house only.

Constitution of Pakistan, the President’s discretionary actions cannot be challenged in any court.

Article 48 and related provisions grant the President certain powers to act in his discretion.

These actions, when exercised under the Constitution, are considered final and not subject to judicial review.

This ensures that the President can exercise constitutional responsibilities without interference from the judiciary, maintaining the separation of powers.

✅ Correct Answer:

B) No

Explanation (5–6 lines):
The President of Pakistan has discretionary powers under the Constitution, particularly regarding appointments, pardons, and other constitutional duties. These actions are legally protected from judicial review to allow the President to function independently in fulfilling constitutional obligations. Courts cannot question or invalidate anything done in this discretionary capacity, ensuring stability in executive functions.

If the President returns a bill, both Houses must reconsider and pass it by simple majority. This ensures balance between executive review and legislative authority, respecting democratic procedure.

The National Assembly elects its Speaker and Deputy Speaker at the first meeting. This is essential for organizing the Assembly’s business, presiding over sessions, and maintaining parliamentary order and discipline.

The Finance Minister presents the annual budget in the National Assembly. This allows detailed scrutiny by legislators, ensures transparency, and enables proper parliamentary approval of government expenditures.