Constitution of Pakistan 1973
The complete, plain-language guide to Pakistan’s supreme law — 280 articles, fundamental rights, 12 parts and all 27 amendments, explained.
Last updated: 11 October 2026
The Essentials
Key Facts at a Glance
Everything you need to know about the 1973 Constitution in thirty seconds.
Background
Pakistan’s Three Constitutions
Pakistan has had three constitutions since independence — understanding all three is the key to understanding why the 1973 Constitution looks the way it does.
Parliamentary, Short-Lived
Enforced on 23 March 1956 with 234 articles, it declared Pakistan an Islamic Republic under a parliamentary system. It lasted barely two years — abrogated in October 1958 when President Iskander Mirza imposed martial law.
Ayub Khan’s Presidential System
Enforced on 8 June 1962 with 250 articles, it concentrated power in the President with indirect elections through Basic Democrats. Deeply unpopular, it was abrogated in March 1969 under General Yahya Khan’s martial law. Read the full guide →
The Democratic Consensus
After 1971, a parliamentary committee drafted a new constitution under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government with opposition parties’ cooperation — a rare consensus. Passed unanimously on 10 April 1973, in force since 14 August 1973, it restored parliamentary democracy and remains Pakistan’s constitution today. Compare all three →
Structure
The 12 Parts of the Constitution
The 280 articles are organised into 12 parts, each covering a branch or function of the state.
| Part | Subject | Articles |
|---|---|---|
| Part I | Introductory — the Republic and its territories | 1–6 |
| Part II | Fundamental Rights and Principles of Policy | 7–40 |
| Part III | The Federation — President, Parliament, Federal Government | 41–100 |
| Part IV | Provinces — Governors, Assemblies, Provincial Governments | 101–140A |
| Part V | Relations between the Federation and Provinces | 141–159 |
| Part VI | Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits | 160–174 |
| Part VII | The Judicature — Supreme Court, High Courts, judiciary | 175–212 |
| Part VIII | Elections — the Election Commission of Pakistan | 213–226 |
| Part IX | Islamic Provisions | 227–231 |
| Part X | Emergency Provisions | 232–237 |
| Part XI | Amendment of the Constitution | 238–239 |
| Part XII | Miscellaneous — services, armed forces, interpretation | 240–280 |
Your Rights
Fundamental Rights (Articles 8–28)
Part II, Chapter 1 guarantees fundamental rights enforceable by the courts — any law inconsistent with them is void (Article 8). Alongside sit the Principles of Policy (Articles 29–40): directive goals that guide legislation.
Security of Person
No deprivation of life or liberty except by law.
Freedom of Speech
Speech and press freedom with reasonable restrictions.
Equality of Citizens
All citizens are equal before law.
Deep Dives
Key Articles Explained
The articles Pakistanis search for most — each with its own in-depth guide.
Parliamentary Privilege
Why courts can’t question parliament’s proceedings — and the 2022 exception. Full guide →
Evolution
Amendments to the Constitution
Amendment needs a two-thirds majority in both houses (Article 239). Twenty-seven have passed — these changed Pakistan most.
| Amendment | Year | What it changed |
|---|---|---|
| 8th | 1985 | Gave the President power to dissolve the National Assembly — Article 58(2)(b) |
| 12th | 1991 | Created special courts for speedy trial of heinous offences → |
| 13th | 1997 | Removed the dissolution power; restored parliamentary supremacy → |
| 17th | 2003 | Partially restored presidential powers under General Musharraf |
| 18th | 2010 | The devolution landmark: ministries to provinces, dissolution power gone for good |
| 21st | 2015 | Military courts for terrorism cases after the APS Peshawar tragedy |
| 26th | 2024 | Changed how the Chief Justice of Pakistan is appointed |
| 27th | 2025 | Established the Federal Constitutional Court; amended Article 243 on armed-forces command |
Resources
Constitution in Urdu & PDF
Studying in Urdu or need a printable copy? Start here.
Read it in Urdu
The authoritative text is English, but official Urdu translations serve students and the public across Pakistan.
Download the Official Text
Get the Constitution as PDF from official sources — and avoid outdated copies missing the latest amendments.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions Pakistanis ask most about the Constitution — answered.
How many articles are in the Constitution of Pakistan 1973?
The Constitution contains 280 articles, divided into 12 Parts with 7 Schedules. For comparison: the 1956 Constitution had 234 articles and the 1962 Constitution had 250.
When was the 1973 Constitution enforced?
Passed by the National Assembly on 10 April 1973, assented to on 12 April 1973, and enforced on 14 August 1973.
How many constitutions has Pakistan had?
Three: the 1956 Constitution (enforced 23 March 1956, abrogated 1958), the 1962 Constitution (enforced 8 June 1962, abrogated 1969), and the 1973 Constitution, which remains in force.
How many amendments have been made to the Constitution?
27 amendments have been passed, most recently the 27th Amendment in November 2025, which created the Federal Constitutional Court.
What is the Objective Resolution?
The Objective Resolution (1949) sets out Pakistan’s constitutional ideals — sovereignty belongs to Allah, democracy, equality and Islamic morality. Through Article 2A it forms a substantive part of the 1973 Constitution.
Can the Constitution be suspended?
The Constitution provides no mechanism for its own suspension — yet it was held in abeyance during military rule (1977–1985 and 1999–2002). Article 6 declares subverting the Constitution an act of high treason.
Master the Constitution, Article by Article
21 in-depth guides — every key article, every major amendment, Urdu resources and exam notes.
Feature Pakistan’s Pakistan Guides explain the country’s laws, institutions and history in plain language — written for students, aspirants and curious citizens, verified against official sources.