Notes on the Pakistan National Assembly
Introduction to the Pakistan National Assembly
The National Assembly of Pakistan serves as the lower house of the bicameral Majlis-e-Shura, which comprises the President of Pakistan and the Senate (the upper house). Established under the Constitution passed by the National Assembly in April 1973, it functions under a federal parliamentary system of government where the President acts as the ceremonial head of state, while the elected Prime Minister holds the executive powers as the head of government.
1. Constitutional Framework
Article 50 of the Constitution: Defines the federal legislature as the bicameral Majlis-e-Shura, consisting of:
The President
The National Assembly (lower house)
The Senate (upper house)
Legislative Powers: The National Assembly is empowered to make laws for the federation as outlined in the Federal Legislative List and the Concurrent List found in the fourth schedule of the Constitution.
2. Functions and Responsibilities
Checks and Balances: The National Assembly engages in various activities such as debates, adjournment motions, question hours, and operates through Standing Committees to monitor government operations.
Accountability: Ensures government actions remain within constitutional limits and protects citizens' fundamental rights.
Financial Oversight: The Parliament reviews public spending and exercises control over governmental expenditures, particularly through the Public Accounts Committee, which examines the Auditor General's reports.
3. Composition and Membership
3.1 Membership Composition
Total Members: 342 members in the National Assembly, which includes:
60 seats reserved for women
10 seats for minorities, as stipulated in Article 51
Distribution of Seats (as per population census):
Province
General
Women
Non-Muslims
Total
Punjab
141
32
0
173
Sindh
61
14
0
75
KPK
45
10
0
55
Baluchistan
16
4
0
20
Federal Capital
3
0
0
3
Total
236
60
10
336
Authority: The President cannot dissolve the National Assembly; only Parliament holds the authority to amend the Constitution with a two-thirds majority in both houses.
4. Governance Structure
4.1 Tenure of Members
Duration: Members of the National Assembly are elected for a five-year term based on adult franchise (one person, one vote). Their tenure ends:
Upon the dissolution of the National Assembly
Upon death or resignation
Prime Minister Limitations: Under the 1973 Constitution, an individual cannot hold the Prime Minister's office more than twice.
4.2 Legislative Procedures
Bill Process: Bills related to the Federal Legislative List can originate in either house. The steps include:
Motion presented by a member (upon Speaker's allowance)
Orders of the Day outlined
Bill published in the Gazette
Referral to the Standing Committee
Copies distributed to all members
First Reading and discussion of bill principles
Potential objections raised regarding adherence to Islam
Bill debated clause-by-clause in Second Reading
Third Reading for final debate
Voting of Members on the bill
Authentication and assent of the President
Bill communicated to the Senate
Once approved by the Senate, the bill becomes law and is published in the Gazette.
5. Committees
5.1 Role of Committees
Committees are integral and may delve into the ministry matters autonomously. They can:
Invite individuals for expert opinions
Hold public hearings
Address any considerations without prior motion
6. Assembly Procedures
6.1 Daily Proceedings
Order of the Day: Details proceedings scheduled for each day, circulated among members.
6.2 Privilege and Attention Notices
Question of Privilege: Members raise breaches of privilege after giving written notice to the Secretary, requiring the Speaker's consent.
Calling Attention Notice: Members may alert ministers about matters of urgent public importance, seeking immediate statements or future addresses from the Minister.
Adjournment Motions: Members may request adjournment to highlight pressing issues, potentially leading to a halt in regular proceedings to debate the concern.
7. National Assembly Sessions
7.1 Session Structure
The life of the assembly comprises sessions, with a minimum requirement to meet for 130 days a year and at least three separate sessions.
Sessions are summoned by the President as per Article 54(1), with immediate announcements made via mass media about date, time, and location (usually Parliament House).
The Speaker can summon the assembly on requests by at least one-fourth of the total membership, requiring assembly within 14 days.
7.2 Secretariat
The National Assembly Secretariat provides necessary legislative, administrative, and information services to assist members in their duties.
8. Questioning Process
Members may submit public importance questions in writing to the Secretary, specifying the Minister's designation. Ministries provide written responses to scheduled Assembly meetings.
Chapter 2: Model National Assembly PISJES
2.1 Overview of MNA
Purpose: The Model National Assembly (MNA) serves as a simulation replicating the actual National Assembly's functioning, aiming to enhance understanding of governmental roles and responsibilities.
Skills Development: Focused on instilling vital skills such as advocacy, argument development, consensus building, research, public speaking, problem-solving, and cooperation, facilitating future career and academic success.
2.2 MNA Objectives
Engage youth in analysis and discussions about pertinent issues affecting students at Pakistan International School Jeddah, English Section.
Encourage students to observe problems, engage in discourse, and collaboratively create widely accepted solutions (Bill).
Participants research issues before assuming roles in discussions, providing a structured learning environment to simulate national governance effectively.