Pakistani Government and Politics
Constitution of Pakistan
The government of Pakistan was based on the Government of India Act (1935) for the first nine years after independence. The first Constitution of Pakistan was adopted in 1956, but was suspended in 1958 by General Ayub Khan. The Constitution of 1973, was suspended in 1977 by Zia-ul-Haq, re-instated in 1991 and is the country's most important document, laying the foundations of government.
Government
Pakistan is a semi-presidential federal democratic republic with Islam as the state religion. The President is the Head of State and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the largest party in the National Assembly. Each province has a similar system of government with a directly elected Provincial Assembly in which the leader of the largest party or alliance becomes Chief Minister. Provincial Governors are appointed by the President.
Political History
The Pakistani military has played an influential role in mainstream politics throughout Pakistan's history, with military presidents ruling from 1958-71, 1977-88 and from 1999 onwards. The leftist PPP, led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, emerged as a major political player during the 1970s.