PRIME MINISTER

PRIME MINISTER

1. 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.

2. Relevant provisions:

Article 46, 91, 95 of the constitution of Pakistan.

3. The office of the prime minister according to the constitution of the 1973:

The prime minister under the constitution of 1973 is the real executive and head of the government.the president is merely a constitutional figure head who acts on the advice of the prime minister. in fact he is the real ruler of Pakistan.

4. Qualification/characteristics for the office of prime minister:

(i) Citizen of Pakistan:

He should be the citizen of Pakistan.

(ii) Member of N.A.

He should be the member of national assembly.

(iii) Should not hold any office of profit:

He should not hold any office of profit in the service of Pakistan.

(iv) Ideology of Pakistan:

He should believe on ideology of Pakistan.

(v) Mentally and physically fit:

He should be mentally and physically fit.

5. Nomination of the prime minister:

The president in his discretion appoints from amongst the member of national assembly who has command the majority of members in the house.

6. Election of the prime minister:

The members of the national assembly elect prime minister, the leader of the majority party. assembly in its first session elects speaker and deputy speaker, and than the prime minister. the prime minister shall be elected by the majority vote of the total membership of the national assembly.

7. Other of the prime minister:

After election, the prime minister 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), promises to act upon the Islamic ideology, to give presence to national interest, protect the constitution, and be loyal with the country.

8. Allowances and salary of the prime minister:

Prime minister is given different allowances and salary of RS. 56 thousands.

9. Team of the office:

The tenure of the post of the prime minister is five years

10. Powers and functions of the prime minister:

The powers and functions of the prime minister are as under.

(i) Chief Advisor of the president:

The prime minister is the Chief advisor of the president. the president performs his duties with the consultation of the prime minister.

(ii) Formation of the 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.

(iii) National leader:

The prime minister is a national leader. he leads the nation and organizes the public opinion in favour of his party.

(iv) Leader of the cabinet:

The prime minister is the leader of the cabinet. all the minister work under the supervision of the prime minister.

(v) Leader of the house:

The prime minister is the leader of the national assembly. his proposals are honoured in the house. he expresses his views in the assembly.
(vi) Power to confer titles and awards:
The prime minister has power to confer titles and awards to those who show excellent performance in different field of life.

(vii) Power of appointment:

The prime minister has power to appoint the high ranking officials with the approval of the president of Islamic republic of Pakistan. he appoints diplomats, ministerial staff and Judges of the supreme courts and the high court. he also appoints the members of national finance commission etc.

(viii) Financial powers:

The prime minister also performs finance matters. the budget is prepared under his supervision.

(ix) Public welfare:

The prime minister works for the public welfare. he takes every possible step to improve the life style of the people of his country.

(xi) Power of Legislation:

The prime minister takes part in legislation. all proceedings are conducted with the consent of the prime minister. he plays a vital role in law making.

(xii) Administrative duties:

The prime minister 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.

(xiii) Defence of the country:

The prime minister is responsible for the defence of the country. he can take step to improve the defence system of the country.

(xiv) Power to dissolve the national assembly:

The prime minister can ask the president to dissolve the national assembly.

(xv) Party head:

The prime minister is the party head. he belongs to party who has majority in the house. he has political his political significance.

(xvi) Power to terminate ministers:

The prime minister it is not satisfied with the function of his minister he can terminate them.

(xvii) Bridge between president and cabinet:

The prime minister is link between president and cabinet. the prime minister is duty bound to inform the president about work f cabinet.

(xviii) Representative of the nation:

The prime minister is representative of the nation in international level.

11. Resign of prime minister:

The prime minister may tender his resignation to the president as and when he desires so. after prime minister as resignation all the minister shall cease to hold offices.

12. 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. in the resolution for vote of no-confidence is passed by majority of the total membership of the national assembly, the prime minister shall cease to hold office immediately.

13. Acting prime minister:

On the death, sickness leave, resignation or foreign tour of the prime minister the senior minister look after the work.

14. Conclusion:

To conclude I can say, that the prime minister is the real executive of the country. he has strong constitutional position. the prime minister 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 by passing a resolution of vote of non-confidence against him.