Pakistan Parliament: National Assembly Structure and Powers

Posted on Dec 7, 2025 in Law & Jurisprudence

Pakistan Parliament Structure

The Parliament is an authoritative institution and a symbol of the people’s sovereignty. In Pakistan, the Parliament, known as “the Majlis-e-Shoora,” consists of the President and two houses: the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly is the lower house and is the more powerful institution in law-making and financial matters, generally holding more power than the Senate.

Relevant Constitutional Provisions

Key articles related to the Parliament include: Article 23, 47, 50, 73, 91, 93, 95, 142, and 143.

Organization of the National Assembly

The current composition of the National Assembly seats is as follows:

Note: The original constitution had 200 general seats with 10 reserved for women. Subsequent amendments adjusted these numbers.

Conditions for Voters

To be eligible to vote, an individual must meet these conditions:

• Be a citizen of Pakistan.
• Be not less than 18 years of age.
• Be of sound mind.
• Have their name present in the electoral roll.

Qualification for Member of National Assembly (MNA)

The qualifications required for membership include:

1. Age: Must not be less than 35 years of age.
2. Citizenship: Must be a citizen of Pakistan.
3. Electoral Roll: Name must be in the electoral roll.
4. Office of Profit: Must not hold any office of profit in the service of Pakistan.
5. Education: Must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an institution recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
6. Fitness: Must be mentally and physically fit.

Election Method and Term

• Election Method: Members of the National Assembly are elected by direct method.
• Term: The term of the National Assembly is five years, commencing from the day of its first meeting, after which it stands dissolved.

Quorum, Summoning, and Sessions

• Quorum: The quorum required for a meeting is one-fourth membership of the assembly.
• Summoning and Prorogation: The National Assembly shall be summoned and prorogued by the President of Pakistan.
• Sessions: There must be at least three sessions in a year, with the interval between them not exceeding 120 days. The assembly is required to remain in session for at least 130 days annually.

Dissolution of the National Assembly

The National Assembly can be dissolved by the President upon the advice of the Prime Minister. However, the Prime Minister cannot give this advice if a resolution for a vote of no confidence is currently under process in the house.

Powers and Functions of the National Assembly

I. Legislation

The primary function is to make laws. After a bill is passed by the Assembly, it is sent to the Senate for consideration. If accepted by the Senate, it is finally presented to the President for approval.

II. Amendment in the Constitution

The National Assembly has the power to amend the Constitution by a two-thirds majority vote of its total membership.

III. Administrative Control

The National Assembly exercises control over the administration, including the Leader of the House (Prime Minister) and Ministers. Methods used to control the administration include:

• Questions: Members can put questions to the ministers of the concerned departments.
• Adjournment Motion: Any member has the right to move a motion to bring urgent and important public matters to the government’s notice.
• Resolution: The Assembly can pass a resolution to express its view on any important matter.
• Vote of No-Confidence: The Assembly can pass a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister.
• Criticism: The Assembly can criticize the policies of the Federal Government.
• Vote of Censure: Besides criticism and questions, the Assembly can pass a vote of censure against administrative acts.

IV. Financial Affairs

• Budget Preparation: The budget is prepared under the supervision of the National Assembly.
• Approval of Taxes: The National Assembly grants approval in all tax matters.
• Approval of Expenditures: The Assembly approves expenditures.
• Money Bills: Money bills always originate in the National Assembly.
• Budget Discussion: The Assembly has the power to criticize and discuss the budget when it is prepared.

V. Electoral Functions

• Election of P.M.: The National Assembly elects its Leader of the House, who is the Prime Minister.
• Election of President: The National Assembly also elects the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
• Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker: The Assembly elects its own Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

VI. Judicial Powers and Functions

• Organization of Judiciary: The National Assembly determines the organization of the judiciary and the number of judges.
• Impeachment of President: The National Assembly is empowered to proceed with impeachment against the President.

VII. Emergency Powers and Functions

When a grave danger to the security of Pakistan exists, the National Assembly can declare an emergency. In such situations, the National Assembly can make laws regarding the emergency powers vested in the President.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Parliament is the supreme institution of the country and serves as the primary law-making body. It comprises the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly is directly elected by the people for a five-year term and can be dissolved by the President. The leader of the National Assembly is the Prime Minister, and the National Assembly holds greater power compared to the Senate in many aspects.