Article 2 of the Constitution of Pakistan

7 New Article 2A Ins. Ibid. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 4 3. Elimination o f exploitation 3. The State shall ensure the elimination of all forms of exploitation and the gradual fulfillment of the fundamental principle, from e ach according to his ability to each according to his work. 4. Right of individuals to be dealt with in accordance with law, etc. 4. (1) To enjoy the protection of law and to be treated in accordance with law is the inalienable right of every citizen. Wh erever he may be, and of every other person for the time being within Pakistan. (2) In particular — (a) no action detrimental to the life, liberty, body, reputation or property of any person shall be taken except in accordance with law; (b) no person shall be pr evented from or be hindered in doing that which is not prohibited by law; and (c) no person shall be compelled to do that which the law does not required him to do. 5. Loyalty to State and obedience to Constitution and law 5. (1) Loyalty to the State is the basic duty of every citizen. (2) Obedience to the Constitution and law is the 1[inviolable] obligation of every citizen wherever he may be and of every other person for the time being within Pakistan. 6. High treason 6. 2[(1) Any person who abrogates o r subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance, t he Constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other un constitutional means shall be guilty of high treason. ] (2) Any pe rson aiding or abetting 3[or collaborating] the acts mentioned in clause (1) shall likewise be guilty of high treason. 1 Subs. by P. O. No. 14 of 1985, Art. 2 and Sch., for "basic ". 2 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act. 2010 (10 of 2010), s.4 for “clause (1)”. 3 Ins. Ibid. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 5 1[(2A) An act of high treason mentioned in clause (1) or clause (2) shall not be validated by any court including the Supreme Court and a High Court. ] (3) 2[Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)] shall by law provide for the punishment of persons found guilty of high treason. _________ 1 New clause (2A) ins. ibid. 2 See footnote 6 on page 3 , supra. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 6 PART II Fundamental Rights and Principles of Policy 7. Definition of the State 7. In this Part, unless th e context otherwise requires, " the State" means the Federal Government, 1[Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)], a Provincial Government, a Provincial Assembly, and such local or other authorities in Pakistan as are by law empowered to impose any tax or cess. CHA PTER 1. – FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS 8. Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of Fundamental Rights to be void 8. (1) Any law, or any custom or usage having the force of law, in so far as it is inconsistent with the rights conferred by this Chapter, shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, be void. (2) The State shall not make any law which takes away or abridges the rights so conferred and any law made in contravention of this clause shall, to the extent of such contravention, be void. (3) The Provisions of this Article shall not apply to — (a) any law relating to members of the Armed Forces, or of the police or of such other forces as are charged with the maintenance of public order, for the purpose of ensuring the proper discharge of their duties or the maintenance of discipline among them; or 2[(b) any of the — (i) laws specified in the First Schedule as in force immediately before the commenc ing day or as amended by any of the laws specified in that Schedule; 1 See footnote 6 on page 3 , supra 2 Subs. by the Constitution (Fourth Amdt.) Act, 1975 (71 of 1975), s. 2, for "paragraph (b)", (w.e.f the 21st November, 1985), which was previously amended by Act 33 of 1974, s. 3, (w.e.f 4th May, 1974). CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 7 (ii) other laws specified in Part I of the First Schedule;] and no such law nor any provision thereof shall be void on the ground that such law or provision is inconsistent with, or repugnant to, any provision of this Chapter. (4) Notwithstanding anything contained in paragraph (b) of clause (3), within a period of two years from the commencing day, the appropriate Legislature shall bring the laws specified in 1[Part II of the First Schedule] into conformity with the rights conferred by this Chapter : Provided that the appropriate Legislature may by resolution extend the said period of two years by a period not exceeding six months. Explanation. – If in respect of any law 2[Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)] is the appropriate Legislature, such resolution shall be a resolution of the National Assembly. (5) The rights conferred by this Chapter shall not be suspended except as expressly provided by the Constitution. 9. Security of person 9. No person shall be deprived of life or liberty save in accordance with law. 10. Safeguards as to arrest and dete ntion 10. (1) No person who is arrested shall be detained in custody without being informed, as soon as may be, of the grounds for such arrest, nor shall he be denied the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice. (2) Every pers on who is arrested and detained in custody shall be produced before a magistrate within a period of twenty -four hours of such arrest, excluding the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the court of the nearest magistrate, and no such person shall be detained in custody beyond the said period with out the authority of a magistrate. (3) Nothing in clauses (1) and (2) shall apply to any person who is arrested or detained under any law providing for preventive detention. 1 Subs. by the Constitution (Fourth Amdt.) Act, 1975 (71 of I975), s. 2, for "the First Schedu le, not being a law which relates to, or is connected with, economic reforms." 2 See footnote 6 on page 3 , supra CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 8 (4) No law providing for preventive detention shall be made except to deal with persons acting in a manner prejudicial to the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, or external affairs of Pakistan, or public order, or the maintenance of supplies or se rvices, and no such law shall authorise the detention of a person for a period exceeding 1[three months] unless the appropriate Review Board has, after affording him an opportunity of being heard in person, reviewed his case and reported, before the expira tion of the said period, that there is, in its opinion, sufficient cause for such detention, and, if the detention is continued after the said period of '[three months], unless the appropriate Review Board has reviewed his case and reported, before the exp iration of each period of three months, that there is, in its opinion, sufficient cause for such detention. Explanation I.— In this Article, "the appropriate Review Board" means, (i) in the case of a person detained under a Federal law, a Board appointed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan and consisting of a Chairman and two other persons, each of whom is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court; and (ii) in the case of a person detained under a Provincial law, a Board appointed by the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned and consisting of a Chairman and two other persons, each of whom is or has been a Judge of a High Court. Explanation II.—The opinion of a Review Board shall be expressed in terms of the views of the majority of its members. (5) When any person is detained in pursuance of an order made under any law providing for preventive detention, the authority making the order shall, 2[within fifteen days] from such detention, communicate to such person the grounds on which the order has been made, and shall afford him the earliest opportunity of making a representation against the order : Provided that the authority making any such order may refuse to disclose facts which such authority considers it to be against the public interest to d isclose. (6) The authority making the order shall furnish to the appropriate Review Board all documents relevant to the case unless a 1 Subs. by the Constitution (Third Amdt.) Act, 1975 (22 of 1975), s. 2, for "one month" (w.e. ,f. the 13th February. 1975). 2 Subs. ibid., for "as soon as may be, but not later than one week" ( w.e.f. the 13th February, 1975). CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 9 certificate, signed by a Secretary to the Government concerned, to the effect that it is not in the public interest to fu rnish any documents, is produced. (7) Within a period of twenty -four months commencing on the day of his first detention in pursuance of an order made under a law providing for preventive detention, no person shall be detained in pursuance of any such ord er for more than a total period of eight months in the case of a person detained for acting in a manner prejudicial to public order and twelve months in any other case : Provided that this clause shall not apply to any person who is employed by, or works for, or acts on instructions received from, the enemy 1[, or who is acting or attempting to act in a manner prejudicial to the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof or who commits or attempts to commit any act which amounts to an a nti-national activity as defined in a Federal law or is a member of any association which has for its objects, or which indulges in, any such anti national activity]. (8) The appropriate Review Board shall determine the place of detention of the person de tained and fix a reasonable subsistence allowance for his family. (9) Nothing in this Article shall apply to any person who for the time being is an enemy alien. 10A. Right to fair trial 2[10A. For the determination of his civil rights and obligations or in any criminal charge against him a person shall be entitled to a fair trial and due process.] 11. Slavery, forced labour, etc., prohibited 11. (1) Slavery is non -existent and forbidden and no law shall permit or facilitate its introduction into Pak istan in any form. (2) All forms of forced labour and traffic in human beings are prohibited. (3) No child below the age of fourteen years shall be engaged in any factory or mine or any other hazardous employment. 1 Added by the Constitution (Third Amdt.) Act, 1975 (22 of 1975), s. 2. 2 New Article 10 A ins. by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 5. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 10 (4) Nothing in this Article shall be d eemed to affect compulsory service (a) by any person undergoing punishment for an offence against any law; or (b) required by any law for public purpose: Provided that no compulsory service shall be of a cruel nature or incompatible with human dignity. 12. Protection against retrospective punishment 12. (1) No law shall authorize the punishment of a person — (a) for an act or omission that was not punishable by law at the time of the act or omission; or (b) for an offence by a penalty greater than, or of a kind different from, the penalty prescribed by law for that offence at the time the offence was committed. (2) Nothing in clause (1) or in Article 270 shall apply to any law making acts of abrogation or subversion of a Constitution in force in Pakistan at any time since the twenty -third day of March, one thousand nine hundred and fifty -six, an offence. 13. Protection against double punishment and self incrimination 13. No person — (a) shall be prosecuted or punished for the same offence more than once; or (b) shall, whe n accused of an offence, be compelled to be a witness against himself. 14. Inviolability of dignity of man, etc. 14. (1) The dignity of man and, subject to law, the privacy of home, shall be inviolable. (2) No person shall be subjected to torture for th e purpose of extracting evidence. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 11 15. Freedom of movement, etc. 15. Every citizen shall have the right to remain in, and, subject to any reasonable restriction imposed by law in the public interest, enter and move freely throughout Pakistan and to reside and settle in any part thereof. 16. Freedom of assembly 16. Every citizen shall have the right to assemble peacefully and without arms, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of public order. 17. Freedom of association 1[17. (1) Every citizen shall have the right to form associations or unions, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan, public order or morality. (2) Every citizen, not being in the servic e of Pakistan, shall have the right to form or be a member of a political party, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan and such law shall provide that where the Federal Government declares that any political party has been formed or is operating in a manner prejudicial to the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan, the Federal Government shall, within fifteen days of such declaration, refer the matter to the Supreme Court whose decisi on on such reference shall be final . (3) Every political party shall account for the source of its funds in accordance with law. ] 18. Freedom of trade, business or profession 18. Subject to such qualifications, if any, as may be prescribed by law, every citizen shall have the right to enter upon any lawful profession or occupation, and to conduct any lawful trade or business: Provided that nothing in this Article shall prevent — (a) the regulation of any trade or profession by a licensing system; or (b) the re gulation of trade, commerce or industry in the interest of free competition therein; or 1 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 6.for “Article 17”. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 12 (c) the carrying on, by the Federal Government or a Provincial Government, or by a corporation controlled by any such Government, of any trade, business, industry or servi ce, to the exclusion, complete or partial, of other persons. 19. Freedom of speech, etc. 19. Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed b y law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, secu rity or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, 1[commission of] or incitemen t to an offence. 19A. Right to information . 2[19A. Every citizen shall have the right to have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions imposed by law]. 20. Freedom to profess religion an d to manage religious institutions 20. Subject to law, public order and morality, — (a) every citizen shall have the right to profess, practice and propagate his religion; and (b) every religious denomination and every sect thereof shall have the right to estab lish, maintain and manage its religious institutions. 21. Safeguard against taxation for purposes of any particular religion 21. No person shall be compelled to pay any special tax the proceeds of which are to be spent on the propagation or maintenance o f any religion other than his own. 1 Subs. by the Constitution (Fourth Amdt.) Act, 1975 (71 of 1975), s. 4, for "defamation" (w.e.f the 21st November, 1975). 2 New Article 19A ins. by the Constituti on (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 7. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 13 22. Safeguards as to educational institutions in respect of religion, etc. 22. (1) No person attending any educational institution shall be required to receive religious instruction, or take part in any religious ceremo ny, or attend religious worship, if such instruction, ceremony or worship relates to a religion other than his own. (2) In respect of any religious institution, there shall be no discrimination against any community in the granting of exemption or concess ion in relation to taxation. (3) Subject to law, (a) no religious community or denomination shall be prevented from providing religious instruction for pupils of that community or denomination in any educational institution maintained wholly by that communit y or denomination; and (b) no citizen shall be denied admission to any educa - tional institution receiving aid from public revenues on the ground only of race, religion, caste or place of birth. (4) Nothing in this Article shall prevent any public authority from making provision for the advancement of any socially or educationally backward class of citizens. 23. Provision as to property 23. Every citizen shall have the right to acquire, hold and dispose of property in any part of Pakistan, subject to the Con stitution and any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the public interest. 24. Protection of property rights 24. (1) No person shall be deprived of his property save in accordance with law. (2) No property shall be compulsorily acquired or taken possession of save for a public purpose, and save by the authority of law which provides for compensation therefor and either fixes the amount of compensation or specifies the principles on and the manner in which compensation is to be determined and given. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 14 (3) Nothing in this Article shall affect the validity of — (a) any law permitting the compulsory acquisition or taking possession of any property for preventing danger to life, property or public health; or (b) any law permitting the taking over of any property which has been acquired by, or come into the possession of, any person by any unfair means, or in any manner, contrary to law; or (c) any law relating to the acquisition, administration or disposal of any property which is or is deemed to be enemy property o r evacuee property under any law (not being property which has ceased to be evacuee property under any law); or (d) any law providing for the taking over of the management of any property by the State for a limited period, either in the public interest or in order to secure the proper management of the property, or for the benefit of its owner; or (e) any law providing for the acquisition of any class of property for the purpose of — (i) providing education and medical aid to all or any specified class of citizen s; or (ii) providing housing and public facilities and services such as roads, water supply, sewerage, gas and electric power to all or any specified class of citizens; or (iii)providing maintenance to those who, on account of unemployment, sickness, infirmity or old age, are unable to maintain themselves; or (f) any existing law or any law made in pursuance of Article 253. (4) The adequacy or otherwise of any compensation provided for by any such law as is referred to in this Article, or determined in pursuance thereof, shall not be called in question in any court. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 15 25A. Equality of citizens 25. (1) All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law. (2) There shall be no discrimination on the basis of sex 1*. (3) Nothing in this Art icle shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the protection of women and children. 25. Right to education 2[25A. The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manne r as may be determined by law.] 26. Non-discrimination in respect of access to public places 26. (1) In respect of access to places of public entertainment or resort, not intended for religious purposes only, there shall be no discrimination against any citizen on the ground only of race, religion, caste, sex, residence or place of birth. (2) Nothing in clause (1) shall prevent the State from making any special provision for women and children. 27. Safeguard against discrimination in services 27. (1) No citizen otherwise qualified for appointment in the service of Pakistan shall be discriminated against in respect of any such appointment on the ground only of race, religion, caste, sex, residence or place of birth: Provided that, for a period not excee ding 3[forty] years from the commencing day, posts may be reserved for persons belonging to any class or area to secure their adequate representation in the service of Pakistan: Provided further that, in the interest of the said service, specified posts o r services may be reserved for members of either sex if such posts or services entail the performance of duties and functions which cannot be adequately performed by members of the other sex 4[:] 1 The word “alone” omitted by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 8. 2 New Article 25A ins. ibid., s. 9. 3 Subs. and shall be deemed always to have been so subs. by the Const itution (Sixteenth Amendment) Act, 1999 (7 of 1999), s. 2, for "twenty", which was previously subs. by P.O. No. 14 of 1985, Art. 2 and Sch., for "ten". 4 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 10 for the full -stop. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 16 1[Provided also that under -representation of any class or area in the service of Pakistan may be redressed in such manner as may be determined by an Act of Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)]. (2) Nothing in clause (1) shall prevent any Provincial Government, or any local or other authority in a Province, from prescri bing, in relation to any post or class of service under that Government or authority, conditions as to residence in the Province, for a period not exceeding three years, prior to appointment under that Government or authority. 28. Preservation of language , script and culture 28. Subject to Article 251 any section of citizens having a distinct language, script or culture shall have the right to preserve and promote the same and subject to law, establish institutions for that purpose. CHAPTER 2. – PRINCIPL ES OF POLICY 29. Principles of Policy 29. (1) The Principles set out in this Chapter shall be known as the Principles of Policy, and it is the responsibility of each organ and authority of the State, and of each person performing functions on behalf of a n organ or authority of the State, to act in accordance with those Principles in so far as they relate to the functions of the organ or authority. (2) In so far as the observance of any particular Principle of Policy may be dependent upon resources being available for the purpose, the Principle shall be regarded as being subject to the availability of resources. (3) In respect of each year, the President in relation to the affairs of the Federation, and the Governor of each Province in relation to the aff airs of his Province, shall cause to be prepared and laid before 2[each House of Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)] or, as the case may be, the Provincial Assembly , a report on the observance and implemen tation of the Principles of Policy, and provision shall be made in the rules of procedure of the National Assembly 3[and the Senate] or, as the case may be, the Provincial Assembly, for discussion on such report. 1 New proviso ins. ibid. 2 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 11, for “the National Assembly”. 3 Ins. ibid. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 17 30. Responsibility with respect to Principles of Policy 30. (1) The responsibility of deciding wh ether any action of an organ or authority of the State, or of a person performing functions on behalf of an organ or authority of the State, is in accordance with the Principles of Policy is that of the organ or authority of the State, or of the person, co ncerned. (2) The validity of an action or of a law shall not be called in question on the ground that it is not in accordance with the Principles of Policy, and no action shall lie against the State, any organ or authority of the State or any person on su ch ground. 31. Islamic way of life 31. (1) Steps shall be taken to enable the Muslims of Pakistan, individually and collectively, to order their lives in accordance with the fundamental principles and basic concepts of Islam and to provide facilities wh ereby they may be enabled to understand the meaning of life according to the Holy Quran and Sunnah. (2) The State shall endeavour, as respects the Muslims of Pakistan, — (a) to make the teaching of the Holy Quran and Islamiat compulsory, to encourage and fac ilitate the learning of Arabic language and to secure correct and exact printing and publishing of the Holy Quran; (b) to promote unity and the observance of the Islamic moral standards; and (c) to secure the proper organisation of zakat 1[ushr,] auqaf and mosqu es. 32. Promotion of local Government institutions 32. The State shall encourage local Government institutions composed of elected representatives of the areas concerned and in such institutions special representation will be given to peasants, workers and women. 1 Ins.by P.O. No. 14 of 1985, Art. 2 and Sch., CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 18 33. Parochial and other similar prejudices to be discouraged 33. The State shall discourage parochial, racial, tribal sectarian and provincial prejudices among the citizens. 34. Full participation of women in national life 34. Steps shall be taken to ensure full participation of women in all spheres of national life. 35. Protection of family, etc. 35. The State shall protect the marriage, the family, the mother and the child. 36. Protection of minorities 36. The State shall safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of minorities, including their due representation in the Federal and Provincial services. 37. Promotion of social justice and eradication of social evils 37. The State shall — (a) promote, with special care, the educational an d economic interests of backward classes or areas; (b) remove illiteracy and provide free and compulsory secondary education within minimum possible period; (c) make technical and professional education generally available and higher education equally accessible to all on the basis of merit; (d) ensure inexpensive and expeditious justice; (e) make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work, ensuring that children and women are not employed in vocations unsuited to their age or sex, and for maternity bene fits for women in employment; (f) enable the people of different areas, through education, training, agricultural and industrial development and other methods, to participate fully in all forms of national activities, including employment in the service of Pa kistan; CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 19 (g) prevent prostitution, gambling and taking of injurious drugs, printing, publication, circulation and display of obscene literature and advertisements; (h) prevent the consumption of alcoholic liquor otherwise than for medicinal and, in the case of no n-Muslims, religious purposes; and (i) decentralise the Government administration so as to facilitate expeditious disposal of its business to meet the convenience and requirements of the public. 38. Promotion of social and economic well being of the people 38. The State shall — (a) secure the well -being of the people, irrespective of sex, caste, creed or race, by raising their standard of living, by preventing the concentration of wealth and means of production and distribution in the hands of a few to the detriment of general interest and by ensuring equitable adjustment of rights between employers and employees, and landlords and tenants; (b) provide for all citizens, within the available resources of the country, facilities for work and adequate livelihood with reasonable rest and leisure; (c) provide for all persons employed in the service of Pakistan or otherwise, social security by compulsory social insurance or other means; (d) provide basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, housing, education and medica l relief, for all such citizens, irrespective of sex, caste, creed or race, as are permanently or temporarily unable to earn their livelihood on account of infirmity, sickness or unemployment; (e) reduce disparity in the income and earnings of individuals, including persons in the various classes of the service of Pakistan; 1* (f) eliminate riba as early as possible 2[; and] 1 The word “and” omitted by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Ac t, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 12. 2 Subs. ibid; for the full -stop. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 20 1[(g) ensure that the shares of the Provinces in all Federal services, including autonomous bodies and corporations established by, or unde r the control of , the Federal Government, shall be secured and any omission in the allocation of the shares of the Provinces in the past shall be rectified.] 39. Participation of people in Armed Forces 39. The State shall enable people from all parts of Pakistan to participate in the Armed Forces of Pakistan. 40. Strengthening bonds with Muslim world and promoting international peace 40. The State shall endeavour to preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries based on Islamic unit y, support the common interests of the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America, promote international peace and security, foster goodwill and friendly relations among all nations and encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means. ____________ 1 New paragraph (g) added ibid. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 21 PART III The Federation of Pakistan CHAPTER 1. —THE PRESIDENT 41. The President 41. (1) There shall be a President of Pakistan who shall be the Head of State and shall represent the unity of the Republic. (2) A person shall not be qualif ied for election as President unless he is a Muslim of not less than forty -five years of age and is qualified to be elected as member of the National Assembly. 1[(3) The President 2* * * shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of the Second Sc hedule by the members of an electoral college consisting of — (a) the members of both Houses; and (b) the members of the Provincial Assemblies.] (4) Election to the office of President shall be held not earlier than sixty days and not later than thirty days befo re the expiration of the term of the President in office: Provided that, if the election cannot be held within the period aforesaid because the National Assembly is dissolved, it shall be held within thirty days of the general election to the Assembly. (5) An election to fill a vacancy in the office of President shall be held not later than thirty days from the occurrence of the vacancy: Provided that, if the election cannot be held within the period aforesaid because the National Assembly is dissolved, it shall be held within thirty days of the general election to the Assembly. (6) The validity of the election of the President shall not be called in question by or before any court or other authority. 3* * * * * * * 1 Subs. by P. O. No. 14 of 1985, Art. 2 and Sch.. for "clause (3)". 2 Certain words omitted by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 13. 3 Clauses (7) to (9) Omitted by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 13. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 22 42. Oath of President 42. Before ent ering upon office, the President shall make before the Chief Justice of Pakistan oath in the form set out in the Third Schedule. 43. Conditions of President’s office 43. (1) The President shall not hold any office of profit in the service of Pakistan or occupy any other position carrying the right to remuneration for the rendering of services. (2) The President shall not be a candidate for election as a member of 1[Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)] or a Provincial Assembly; and , if a member of 1[Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)] or a Provincial Assembly is elected as President, his seat in 1[Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)] or, as the case may be, the Provincial Assembly shall become vacant on the day he enters upon his office. 44. Term of office of President 44. (1) Subject to the Constitution, the President shall hold office for a term of five years from the day he enters upon his office : Provided that the President shall, notwithstanding the expiration of his terms, continue to hold office until his succes sor enters upon his office. (2) Subject to the Constitution, a person holding office as President shall be eligible for re -election to that office, but no person shall hold that office for more than two consecutive terms. (3) The President may, by writin g under his hand addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly, resign his office. 45. President’s power to grant pardon, etc. 45. The President shall have power to grant pardon, reprieve and respite, and to remit, suspend or commute any sentence pas sed by any court, tribunal or other authority. 1 See footnote 6 on page 3 , supra. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 23 46. President to be kept informed 1[46. The Prime Minister shall keep the President informed on all matters of internal and foreign policy and on all legislative proposals the Federal Government intends t o bring before Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament).] 47. Removal 2[or impeachment] of President 47. 3[(l) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Constitution, the President may, in accordance with the provisions of this Article, be removed from office on the ground of physical or mental incapacity or impeached on a charge of violating the Constitution or gross misconduct. (2) Not less than one -half of the total membership of either House may give to the Speaker of the National Assembly or, as the case may be , the Chairman written notice of its intention to move a resolution for the removal of, or, as the case may be, to impeach, the President; and such notice shall set out the particulars of his incapacity or of the charge against him.] (3) If a notice under clause (2) is received by the Chairman, he shall transmit it forthwith to the Speaker. (4) The Speaker shall, within three days of the receipt of a notice under clause (2) or clause (3), cause a copy of the notice to be transmitted to the President. (5) The Speaker shall summon the two Houses to meet in a joint sitting not earlier than seven days and not later than fourteen days after the receipt of the notice by him. (6) The joint sitting may investigate or cause to be investigated the ground or the ch arge upon which the notice is founded. (7) The President shall have the right to appear and be represented during the investigation, if any, and before the joint sitting. (8) If, after consideration of the result of the investigation, if any, a resolutio n is passed at the joint sitting by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of 4[Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)] declaring that the President is unfit to hold the office due to incapacity or 1 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 14, for “Article 46”. 2 Ins. by the P.O. 14 of 1985, Art 2 and Sch. 3 Subs. ibid., for "clauses (1) and (2)". 4 See footnote 6 on page 3 supra. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 24 is guilty of violating the Constitution or of gross misconduct, the President shall cease to hold office immediately on the passing of the resolution. 48. President to act on advice, etc. 1 [48. (1) In the exercise of his functions, the President shall act 2[on and] in accordance with the advice o f the Cabinet 3[or the Prime Minister]: 4[Provided that 2[within fifteen days] the President may require the Cabinet or, as the case may be, the Prime Minister to reconsider such advice, either generally or otherwise, and the President shall 2[, within te n days,] act in accordance with the advice tendered after such reconsideration.] (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (1), the President shall act in his discretion in respect of any matter in respect of which he is empowered by the Constituti on to do so 5[and the validity of anything done by the President in his discretion shall not be called in question on any ground whatsoever]. 6* * * * * * * (4) The question whether any, and if so what, advice was tendered to the President by the Cabinet , the Prime Minister, a Minister or Minister of State shall not be inquired into in, or by, any court, tribunal or other authority. 7[(5) Where the President dissolves the National Assembly, notwithstanding anything contained in clause (1), he shall, — (a) appoint a date, not later than ninety days from the date of the dissolution, for the holding of a general election to the Assembly ; and (b) appoint a care -taker Cabinet8[in accordance with the provisions of Article 224 or, as the case may be, Article 224A] ] 7[(6) If at any time the Prime Minister considers it necessary to hold a referendum on any matter of national importance, he may refer the matter to a joint sitting of the Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament) and if it is 1 Subs. by P.O. No. 14 of 1985, Art. 2 and Sch., for "Article 48". 2 Ins. by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 15. 3 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighth Amdt.) Act, 1985 (18 of 1985), s. 2, for ",the Prime Minister, or a appropriate Minister". 4 Subs. ibid., for "the original proviso". 5 Added ibid., 6 Clause (3) omitted, ibid., 7 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighteenth A mdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 15, for “clauses (5) and (6)”. 8 Added by the Constitution (Twentieth Amendment) Act, 2012 (V of 2012), s.2. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 25 approved in a joint sitting, the Prime Mini ster may cause such matter to be referred to a referendum in the form of a question that is capable of being answered by either “ Yes” or “No”.] (7) An Act of Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament) may lay down the procedure for the holding of a referendum and the compiling and consolidation of the result of a referendum.] 49. Chairman or Speaker to act as, or perform functions of, President 49. (1) If the office of President becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation or removal of the President, the Chairman or, if he is unable to perform the functions of the office of President, the Speaker of the National Assembly shall act as President until a President is elected in accordance with clause (3) of Article 41. (2) When the President, by reason of absence fro m Pakistan or any other cause, is unable to perform his functions, the Chairman or, if he too is absent or unable to perform the functions of the office of President, the Speaker of the National Assembly shall perform the functions of President until the P resident returns to Pakistan or, as the case may be, resumes his functions. CHAPTER 2. – THE 1[MAJLIS -E-SHOORA (PARLIAMENT)] Composition, Duration and Meetings of 1[Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)] 50. Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament) 2 [50. There shall be a Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament) of Pakistan consisting of the President and two Houses to be known respectively as the National Assembly and the Senate.] 51. National Assembly 3[51. (1) There shall be three hundred and forty -two seats for members in the Nat ional Assembly, including seats reserved for women and non -Muslims. (2) A person shall be entitled to vote if — 1 See footnote 6 on page 3 supra. 2 Subs. by P.O. No. 14 of 1985, Art. 2 and Sch., for "Article 50". 3 Subs. b y the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 16 for “Article 51” and shall be deemed always to have been so subs. with effect from the 21st day of August, 2002. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 26 (a) he is a citizen of Pakistan; (b) he is not less than eighteen years of age; (c) his name appears on the electoral roll; and (d) he is not declared by a competent court to be unsound mind. (3) The seats in the National Assembly refer red to in clause (1), except as provided in clause ( 4), shall be allocated to each Province, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the Federal Capital as under :— General Seats Women Total Balochistan 14 3 17 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 35 8 43 Punjab 148 35 183 Sindh 61 14 75 Federally Administered Tribal Areas 12 - 12 Federal Capital 2 - 2 Total 272 60 332 (4) In addition to the number of seats referred to in claus e (3), there shall be, in the National Assembly, ten seats reserved for non - Muslims. (5) The seats in the National Assembly shall be allocated to each Province, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the Federal Capital on the basis of population in accordance with the last preceding census officially published. (6) For the purpose of election to the National Assembly, — (a) the constituencies for the general seats shall be single member territorial constituencies and the members to fill such seats shall be elected by direct and free vote in accordance with law; (b) each Province shall be a single constituency for all seats reserved for women which are allocated to the respective Provinces under clause ( 3); (c) the constituency for all seats reserved for non -Muslims shall be the whole country; CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 27 (d) members to the seats reserved for women which are allocated to a Province under clause ( 3) shall be elected in accordance with law through proportional representation system of political parties ’ lists of candidates on th e basis of total number of general seats secured by each political party from the Province concerned in the National Assembly: Provided that for the purpose of this paragraph the total number of general seats won by a political party shall include the ind ependent returned candidate or candidates who may duly join such political party within three days of the publication in the official Gazette of the names of the returned candidates; and (e) members to the seats reserved for non -Muslims shall be elected in ac cordance with law through proportional representation system of political parties ’ lists of candidates on the basis of total number of general seats won by each political party in the National Assembly : Provided that for the purpose of this paragraph the total number of general seats won by a political party shall include the independent returned candidate or candidates who may duly join such political party within three days of the publication in the official Gazette of the names of the returned candidate s.] 52. Duration of National Assembly 52. The National Assembly shall, unless sooner dissolved, continue for a term of five years from the day of its first meeting and shall stand dissolved at the expiration of its term. 53. Speaker and Deputy Speaker o f National Assembly 53. (1) After a general election, the National Assembly shall, at its first meeting and to the exclusion of any other business, elect from amongst its members a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker and, so often as the office of Speaker or Dep uty Speaker becomes vacant, the Assembly shall elect another member as Speaker or, as the case may be, Deputy Speaker. (2) Before entering upon office, a member elected as Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall make before the National Assembly oath in the form set out in the Third Schedule. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 28 (3) When the office of Speaker is vacant, or the Speaker is absent or is unable to perform his functions due to any cause, the Deputy Speaker shall act as speaker, and if, at that time, the Deputy Speaker is also absent or i s unable to act as Speaker due to any cause, such member as may be determined by the rules of procedure of the Assembly shall preside at the meeting of the Assembly. (4) The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker shall not preside at a meeting of the Assembly when a resolution for his removal from office is being considered. (5) The Speaker may, by writing under his hand addressed to the President, resign his office. (6) The Deputy Speaker may, by writing under his hand addressed to the Speaker, resign his office . (7) The office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall become vacant if — (a) he resigns his office; (b) he ceases to be a member of the Assembly; or (c) he is removed from office by a resolution of the Assembly, of which not less than seven days' notice has been give n and which is passed by the votes of the majority of the total membership of the Assembly. (8) When the National Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker shall continue in his office till the person elected to fill the office by the next Assembly enters upon h is office. 54. Summoning and prorogation of Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament) 154. (1) The President may, from time to time, summon either House or both Houses or 2[Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)] in joint sitting to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit and may also prorogue the same. 1 Article 54, had, until the 31st day of December, 1973, effect as if the proviso to clause (2) thereof were omitted, see the Removal of Difficulties (Sittings of National Assembly) Order 1973 (P.O. No. 23 of 1973), Art. 2. 2 See footnote 6 on page 3 , supra. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 29 (2) There shall be at least 1[three] sessions of the National Assembly every year, and not more than one hundred and twenty days shall intervene between the last sitting of the Assembly in one session and the date appointe d for its first sitting in the next session: Provided that the National Assembly shall meet for not less than one hundred and 2[thirty] working days in each year. 3[Explanation .– In this clause, "working days" includes any day on which there is a joint s itting and any period, not exceeding two days, for which the National Assembly is adjourned ]. (3) On a requisition signed by not less than one -fourth of the total membership of the National Assembly, the Speaker shall summon the National Assembly to meet, at such time and place as he thinks fit, within fourteen days of the receipt of the requisition; and when the Speaker has summoned the Assembly only he may prorogue it. 55. Voting in Assembly and quorum 55. (1) Subject to the Constitution, all decisions of the National Assembly shall be taken by majority of the members present and voting, but the person presiding shall not vote except in the case of equality of votes. (2) If at any time during a sitting of the National Assembly the attention of the pers on presiding is drawn to the fact that less than one - fourth of the total membership of the Assembly is present, he shall either adjourn the Assembly or suspend the meeting until at least one -fourth of such membership is present. 56. Address by President 56. 4[(1)] The President may address either House or both Houses assembled together and may for that purpose require the attendance of the members. 4[(2) The President may send messages to either House, whether with respect to a Bill then pending in the Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament) or otherwise, and a House to which any message is so sent shall with all convenient despatch consider any matter required by the message to be taken into consideration. 1 Subs. by P.O. No. 14 of 1985, Art. 2 and Sch.. for "two". 2 Subs. by the Constitution (Tenth Amdt.) Act, 1987 (1 of 1987). s. 2. for "sixty" which was previously amended by P.O. No.14 of 1985, Art. 2 and Sch. 3 Explanation added by the Constitution (Fourth Amdt.) Act, 1975 (71 of 1975), s. 6 ( w.e.f. the 21st November, 1 975). 4 Re-numbered and added by P. O. No. 14 of 1985, Art. 2 and Sch., CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 30 1[(3) At the commencement of the first session after each general election to the National Assembly and at the commencement of the first session of each year the President shall address both Houses assembled together and inform the Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament) of the causes of its summons.] (4) Provision shall b e made in the rules for regulating the procedure of a House and the conduct of its business for the allotment of time for discussion of the matters referred to in the address of the President.] 57. Right to speak in 2[Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament)] 57. The Prime Minister, a Federal Minister, a Minister of State and the Attorney General shall have the right to speak and otherwise take part in the proceedings of either House, or a joint sitting or any committee thereof, of which he may be named a member, but shall not by virtue of this Article be entitled to vote. 58. Dissolution of National Assembly 3[58. (1) The President shall dissolve the National Assembly if so advised by the Prime Minister; and the National Assembly shall, unless sooner dissolved, sta nd dissolved at the expiration of forty -eight hours after the Prime Minister has so advised. Explanation .– Reference in this Article to "Prime Minister" shall not be construed to include reference to a Prime Minister against whom a notice of a resolution for a vote of no -confidence has been given in the National Assembly but has not been voted upon or against whom such a resolution has been passed or who is continuing in office after his resignation or after the dissolution of the National Assembly . (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (2) of Article 48, the President may also dissolve the National Assembly in his discretion where , a vote of no -confidence having been passed against the Prime Minister, no other member of the National Assembly command the confidence of the majority of the members of the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, as ascertained in a session of the National Assembly summoned for the purpose .] 1 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighth Amdt.) Act, 1985, (18 of 1985), s. 4, for "clause (3)." 2 See footnote 6 on page 3, supra . 3 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2 010 (10 of 2010), s. 17, for “Article 58”. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 31 59. The Senate 1[59. (1) The Senate sh all consist of one hundred and four members, of whom, — (a) fourteen shall be elected by the members of each Provincial Assembly; (b) eight shall be elected from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas , in such manner as the President may, by Order, prescribe ; (c) two on general seats, and one woman and one technocrat including aalim shall be elected from the Federal Capital in such manner as the President may, by Order, prescribe; (d) four women shall be elected by the members of each Provincial Assembly; (e) four tec hnocrats including ulema shall be elected by the members of each Provincial Assembly ; and (f) four non -Muslims, one from each Province, shall be elected by the members of each Provincial Assembly: Provided that paragraph (f) shall be effective from the next Senate election after the commencement of the Constitution (Eighteenth Amendment) Act, 2010. (2) Election to fill seats in the Senate allocated to each Province shall be held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the sin gle transferable vote. (3) The Senate shall not be subject to dissolution but the term of its members, who shall retire as follows, shall be six years: - (a) of the members referred to in paragraph (a) of clause (1), seven shall retire after the expirati on of the first three years and seven shall retire after the expiration of the next three years; (b) of the members referred to in paragraph (b) of the aforesaid clause, four shall retire after the expiration of the first three years and four shall retir e after the expiration of the next three years; 1 Subs. ibid., s. 18, for “Article 59”. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 32 (c) of the members referred to in paragraph (c) of the aforesaid clause, — (i) one elected on general seat shall retire after the expiration of the first three years and the other one shall retire after the expiration of the next three years; and (ii) one elected on the seat reserved for technocrat shall retire after first three years and the one elected on the seat reserved for woman shall retire after the expiration of the next three years; (d) of the m embers referred to in paragraph (d) of the aforesaid clause, two shall retire after the expiration of the first three years and two shall retire after the expirat ion of the next three years; (e) of the members referred to in paragraph (e) of the aforesai d clause, two shall retire after the expiration of the first three years and two shall retire after the expiration of the next three years ; and (f) of the members referred to in paragraph (f) of the aforesaid clause, two shall retire after the expiration of first three years and two shall retire after the expiration of next three years: Provided that the Election Commission for the first term of seats for non -Muslims shall draw a lot as to which two members shall retire after the first three years. (4) The term of office of a person elected to fill a casual vacancy shall be the unexpired term of the member whose vacancy he has filled.] 60. Chairman and Deputy Chairman 60. (1) After the Senate has been duly constituted, it shall, at its first meeting and to the exclusion of any other business. elect from amongst its members a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman and, so often as the Office of Chairman or Deputy Chairman becomes vacant, the Senate shall elect another member as Chairman or, as the case may be, Deputy Chairman. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 33 (2) The term of office of the Chairman or Deputy Chairman shall be' 1[three] years from the day on which he enters upon his office. 61. Other provisions relating to Senate 61. The provisions of clauses (2) to (7) of Article 53, clauses (2) and (3) of Article 54 and Article 55 shall apply to the Senate as they apply to the National Assembly and, in their application to the Senate, shall have effect as if references therein to the National Assembly, Speaker and Deputy Speaker were referen ces, respectively, to the Senate Chairman and Deputy Chairman 2[and as if, in the proviso to the said clause (2) of Article 54, for the words 3[one hundred and thirty] the word s 4[one hundred and ten] were substituted]. provisions as to Members of 5[Majli s-e-Shoora (Parliament)] 62. Qualifications for membership of Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament) 6[62. (1) A person shall not be qualified to be elected or chosen as a member of Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament) unless — (a) he is a citizen of Pakistan; (b) he is , in the case of the National Assembly, not less than twenty -five years of age and is enrolled as a voter in any electoral roll in — (i) any part of Pakistan, for election to a general seat or a seat reserved for non -Muslims; and (ii) any area in a Prov ince from which she seeks membership for electio n to a seat reserved for women. (c) he is, in the case of the Senate, not less than thirty years of age and is enrolled as a voter in any area in a Province or, as the case may be, the Federal Capital or the Fed erally Administered Tribal Areas, from where he seeks membership; 1 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighth Amdt.) Act, 1985 (18 of 1985), s. 7, for “two” . 2 Added by the Constitution (First Amdt.) Act, 1974 (33 of 1974), s. 5 (w.e.f. the 14t h May, 1974). 3 Subs. by the Constitution (Tenth Amdt.) Act, 1987 (1 of 1987), s. 3, which was previously amended by P. O. No. 24 of 1985. Art. 2. 4 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 19, for “ninety”. 5 See footnote 6 on page 3 supra . 6 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 20, for “Article 62”. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 34 (d) he is of good character and is not commonly known as one who violates Islamic Injunctions; (e) he has adequate knowledge of Islamic teachings and practices obligatory duties prescribed by Islam as well as abstains from major sins; (f) he is sagacious, righteous , non-profligate , honest and ameen, there being no declaration to the contrary by a court of law; and (g) he has not, after the establishment of Pakistan, worked against the integr ity of the country or op posed the ideology of Pakistan. (2) The disqualifications specified in paragraphs (d) and (e) shall not apply to a person who is a non -Muslim, but such a person shall have good moral reputation .] 63. Disqualifications for membersh ip of Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament) 1[63. (1) A person shall be disqualified from being elected or chosen as, and from being, a member of the Ma jlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), if — (a) he is of unsound mind and has been so declared by a competent court; or (b) he is an undischarged insolvent; or (c) he ceases to be a citizen of Pakistan, or acquires the citizenship of a foreign State; or (d) he holds an office of profit in the service of Pakistan other than an office declared by law not to disqualify its holder; or (e) he is i n the service of any statutory body or any body which is owned or controlled by the Government or in which the Government has a controlling share or interest; or (f) being a citizen of Pakistan by virtue of section 14B of the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951 (I I of 1951), he is for the time being disqualified under any law in force in Azad 1 Subs. by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amdt.) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010), s. 21, for “Article 63”. CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 35 Jammu and Kashmir from being elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir; or (g) he has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction for propagating any opinion, or acting in any manner, prejudicial to the ideology of Pakistan, or the sovereignty, integrity or security of Pakistan, or the integrity, or independence of the judiciary of Pakistan, or which defames or brings into ridicule the j udiciary or the Armed Forces of Pakistan, unless a period of five years has lapsed since his release; or (h) he has been , on conviction for any offence involving moral turpitude, sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years, unless a p eriod of five years has elapsed since his release; or (i) he has been dismissed from the service of Pakistan or service of a corporation or office set up or, controlled by the Federal Government, Provincial Government or a Local Government on the grounds of misconduct , unless a period of five years has elapsed since his dismissal; or (j) he has been removed or compulsorily retired from the service of Pakistan or service of a corporation or office set up or controlled by the Federal Government, Provincial Government or a Local Government on the ground of misconduct , unless a period of three years has elapsed since his removal or compulsory retirement; or (k) he has been in the service of Pakistan or of any statutory body or any body which is owned or con trolled by the Government or in which the Government has a controlling share or interest , unless a period of two years has elapsed since he ceased to be in such service; or (l) he, whether by himself or by any person or body of persons in trust for him o r for his benefit or on his account or as a member of a Hindu undivided family, has any share or interest in a contract, not being a contract between a cooperative society and Government, for the supply of goods to, or for the execution of any contract or for the performance of any service undertaken by, Government: Provided that the disqualification under this paragraph shall not apply to a person — CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 36 (i) where the share or interest in the contract devolves on him by inheritance or succession or as a legatee, executor or administrator, until the expiration of six months after it has so devolved on him; (ii) where the contract has been entered into by or on behalf of a public company as defined in the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of 1984), of which he is a shareh older but is not a director holding an office of profit under the company; or (iii) where he is a member of a Hindu undivided family and the contract has been entered into by any other member of that family in the course of carrying on a separate business in wh ich he has no share or interest; Explanation. —In this Article “goods ” does not include agricultural produce or commodity grown or produced by him or such goods as he is, under any directive of Government or any law for the time being in force, under a duty or obligation to supply; or (m) he holds any office of profit in the service of Pakistan other than the following offices, namely : — (i) an office which is not whole time office remunerated either by salary or by fee; (ii) the office of Lumbardar, wheth er called by this or any other title; (iii) the Qaumi Razakars; (iv) any office the holder whereof, by virtue of such office, is liable to be called up for military training or military service under any law providing for the constitution or raising of a Force; or (n) he has obtained a loan for an amount of two million rupees or more, from any bank, financial institution, cooperative society or cooperative body in his own name or in the name of his spouse or any of his dependents, which remains unpaid for more than one year from the due date, or has got such loan written off; or CONSTITU TION OF PAKISTAN 37 (o) he or his spouse or any of his dependents has defaulted in payment of government dues and utility expenses, including telephone, electricity, gas and water charges in excess of ten thou sand rupees, for over six months, at the time of filing his nomination papers; or (p) he is for the time being disqualified from being elected or chosen as a member of the Majlis -e-Shoora (Parliament) or of a Provincial Assembly under any l aw for the time being in force. Explanation. — For the purposes of this paragraph “law” shall not include an Ordinance promulgated under