Introduction
In the Parliamentary system Prime Minister is the head of the government and the whole system of the state revolves round him. He is the leader of majority party in the parliament and he is the source of power. He is more power full than the president.
Relevant provisions
Article 46,91,95 of the constitution of Pakistan.
The office of the Prime Minister according to the constitution of 1973
The Prime Minister under the constitution of 1973 is the real executive and head of the Govt. The president is merely a constitutional figurehead who acts on the advice of the Prime Minister. Infact he is the real ruler of Pakistan.
Qualifications/characteristics for the office of Prime Minister (P.M)
Citizen of Pakistan
He should be the citizen of Pakistan.
Member of National Assembly
He should be the member of National Assembly.
Should not hold any office of profit
He should not hold any office of profit in the service of Pakistan.
Ideology of Pakistan
He should believe on ideology of Pakistan.
Mentally and physically fit
He should be mentally and physically fit.
Nomination of the P.M.
The president in his discretion appoints from amongst the members of National Assembly who has command the majority of members in the house.
Election of the P.M
The members of the National Assembly elect PM, the leader of the majority party. Assembly in its first session elects speaker and Deputy Speaker and then the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister shall be elected by the majority vote of the total membership of the National Assembly.
Oath of the P.M
After election the P.M takes the oath in the presence of the president. He declares to be Muslim and the belief in the finality of Prophet (S.A.W.W) promises to act upon the Islamic ideology, to give presence to national interest, protect the constitution and be loyal with the country.
Allowances and salary of the P,M.
Prime Minister is given different allowances and salary of Rs. 56 thousands.
Term of the office
The tenure of the post of the P.M is five years.
Powers and functions of the P.M
The powers and functions of the Prime Minister are as under:-
Chief Advisor of the President
The P.M is the chief advisor of the president. The president performs his duties with the consultation of the P.M.
Formation of Cabinet
The Prime Minister after taking oath select his cabinet. Every Minister, individually and cabinet as whole are responsible for their acts to the parliament.
National Leader
The P.M is a national leader. He leads the nation and organizes the public opinion in favour of his party.
Leader of the cabinet
The PM is the leader of the cabinet. All the minister work under the supervision of the PM.
Leader of the House
The PM is the leader of the National Assembly. His proposals are honoured in the house. He expresses his views in the Assembly.
Power to confer titles and awards
The PM has power to confer titles and awards to those who show excellent performance in different field of life.
Power of appointments.
The PM has power to appoint the high ranking officials with the approval of the president of Islamic republic of Pakistan. He appoints diplomas, ministerial staff and judges of the Supreme Courts and the High Courts. He also appoints the members of National Finance Commission etc.
Financial Powers
The PM also performs finance matters. The budget is prepared under his supervision.
Public welfare
The PM works for the public welfare. He takes every possible step to improve the life style of the people of his country.
Foreign Relation
The foreign policy is prepared under his guidelines. The diplomats are appointed by the president on the recommendations of the PM.
Power of Legislation
The PM takes part in legislation. All proceedings are conducted with the consent of the PM. He plays a vital role in law making.
Administrative Duties.
The PM performs the administrative function. He is responsible for the smooth running of the affairs of the country. He maintains law and order in the country.
Defence of the country
The PM is responsible for the defence of the country. He can take step to improve the defence system of the country.
Power to Dissolve the National Assembly
The PM can ask the president to dissolve the national assembly.
Party head
The PM is the party head. He belongs to party who has majority in the house. He has his political significance.
Power to terminate ministers
The PM if not satisfied with the function of his minister he can terminate them.
Bridge between president and Cabinet
The PM is a link between president and cabinet. The PM is duty bound to inform the president about work of cabinet.
Representative of the Nation
The PM is representative of the nation in international level.
Resign of Prime Minister
The PM may tender his resignation to the president as and when he desires so. After PM has resigned all the minister shall seased to hold offices.
Termination/ Vote of no confidence against Prime Minister
Under the present procedure, a resolution for a vote of no confidence can be moved by not less than twenty percent of the total membership of the National Assembly. The resolution shall not be voted upon before the expiration of three days, from the day on which such resolution is moved in the national assembly.
Acting Prime Minister
On the death, sickness leave, resignation or foreign tour of the PM the senior minister look after the work.
Ending Remarks
While summing up it can be said that the PM is the real executive of the country. He has strong constitutional position. The PM is the Chief Advisor of president. He is the leader of the house and elected for the term of 5 years. He can be removed from his office be passing a resolution of vote of no confidence against him.
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