Law-Making Process in Pakistan: Simple Step-by-Step Guide
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Pakistan follows a parliamentary system just like the UK, but with a few differences. Laws at the federal level are made by the Parliament of Pakistan under the 1973 Constitution. Here is the complete process in very simple language:
Step 1: Idea and Drafting
Every law starts as an idea. The idea usually comes from:
- Federal Government (Ministries)
- An individual Member of Parliament (private member’s bill)
- Public demand or court orders
Government law officers (usually from the Ministry of Law and Justice) then write the first draft of the bill in proper legal language.
Step 2: Introduction in Parliament (First Reading)
A bill can start in either house:
- National Assembly (Lower House – directly elected members)
- Senate (Upper House – equal members from each province)
Exception: Money Bills (budget, taxes, loans) can only start in the National Assembly (Article 73).
The minister or member simply presents the bill. The title is read out and copies are distributed. No debate happens here – this is just the formal introduction.
Step 3: Second Reading – Main Debate
This is the most important discussion stage. Members debate the basic purpose and principles of the bill. After the debate, the house votes. If the bill passes second reading, it moves to the next stage.
Step 4: Committee Stage (Detailed Checking)
The bill is sent to a Standing Committee (a small group of MNAs or Senators who are experts on that subject). The committee examines every section and clause line-by-line. They can call government officers, experts and even take public suggestions. The committee can suggest changes (amendments) and sends a report back to the house.
Step 5: Report Stage
The full house (National Assembly or Senate) discusses the committee’s report. More amendments can be moved and voted on here.
Step 6: Third Reading – Final Vote
Only small language changes are allowed now. Members give their final yes or no. If the house passes the third reading, the bill is sent to the other house.
Step 7: The Bill Goes to the Second House
The same stages (second reading → committee → report → third reading) are repeated in the other house.
Two Possible Results:
a) The second house passes the bill without any change → bill goes straight to the President. b) The second house makes amendments or rejects it → bill is returned to the first house.
Step 8: Solving Differences – Joint Sitting (if needed)
If both houses cannot agree even after sending the bill back and forth, the Prime Minister can call a Joint Sitting of both houses (Article 70). All MNAs and Senators sit together and vote. Majority decision in the joint sitting is final.
Step 9: President’s Assent (Final Approval)
The passed bill goes to the President of Pakistan. The President has four options (Article 75):
- Give assent → the bill becomes an Act (law) immediately.
- Return the bill with suggestions (except money bills) → must be reconsidered.
- Do nothing for 10 days → the bill automatically becomes law.
- (Very rare) Refuse assent → but Parliament can override in some cases.
Once the President signs or 10 days pass, the bill becomes an Act of Parliament and is published in the official Gazette. Now it is the law of Pakistan!
Quick Summary Table
| Stage | National Assembly | Senate | Money Bill? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can start here | Yes | Yes | Only NA |
| Committee examination | Yes | Yes | |
| Joint Sitting if disagreement | Yes (both houses together) | ||
| Final approval | President’s assent required |
Extra Points for Students & Readers
- Provincial laws are made in the same way in Provincial Assemblies (Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan).
- Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir have their own assemblies with similar processes.
- Ordinances: When Parliament is not in session, the President can make temporary laws called ordinances (last only 120 days unless approved).
That’s it! This is exactly how every federal law in Pakistan – from the budget to criminal laws – is created. Save or share this post if you found it helpful. Drop your questions in the comments! 🇵🇰
(Feel free to add the same images as in the UK post – Parliament House Islamabad, National Assembly chamber, Senate chamber, etc.)
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