What is the number of laws in Pakistan?

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By Kristy Tolley

Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic with a complex legal system. The country’s legal framework is based on the British common law system, Islamic law (Sharia) and the Constitution of Pakistan. The Constitution outlines the principles for the governance of the country and also defines the structure of the government and its functions.

Defining laws and their sources

Laws are rules and regulations that govern the behavior of individuals and institutions within a society. In Pakistan, laws are created by the legislative bodies in accordance with the Constitution. The sources of law in Pakistan include the Constitution, statutes, ordinances, judicial precedents, and Islamic law. Statutes are laws passed by the Parliament and are the primary source of law in Pakistan. Ordinances are laws passed by the President of Pakistan in exceptional circumstances when Parliament is not in session. Judicial precedents are based on the decisions and judgments of the courts and are used to interpret and apply the law in specific cases. Islamic law, or Sharia, is derived from the Quran and the Sunnah, and is used to govern personal and family matters in Pakistan.

Historical background of law-making in Pakistan

Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947 and inherited the British legal system. In the early years, laws were enacted by the Governor-General of Pakistan in the form of ordinances. However, in 1956, the Constitution of Pakistan was adopted, which established a parliamentary form of government and defined the powers and functions of the government. Since then, legislation has been passed by the Parliament in accordance with the Constitution.

The role of the Constitution in law-making

The Constitution of Pakistan is the supreme law of the land and provides the framework for the legal system. It outlines the principles of democracy, fundamental rights, and the role and powers of government institutions. The Constitution sets out the process for law-making in Pakistan and defines the powers and functions of the Parliament, the President, and the courts.

Legislative bodies in Pakistan and their functions

Pakistan has a bicameral Parliament, which consists of the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly is the lower house and is made up of 342 members who are directly elected by the people. The Senate is the upper house and is made up of 104 members who are elected by the members of the Provincial Assemblies. The Parliament is responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the work of the executive branch of government.

Categories of laws in Pakistan

Laws in Pakistan can be classified into three categories: federal laws, provincial laws, and Islamic laws. Federal laws are passed by the Parliament and are applicable throughout Pakistan. Provincial laws are passed by the Provincial Assemblies and are applicable only within the respective provinces. Islamic laws are based on the principles of Sharia and are used to govern personal and family matters in Pakistan.

Pakistan is an Islamic state and Islamic law plays an important role in the legal system. The Constitution of Pakistan requires that all laws be in accordance with the principles of Islam and that no law shall be enacted that is repugnant to Islamic injunctions. Islamic law is used to govern personal and family matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. However, the extent to which Islamic law is applied in the legal system varies depending on the nature of the case and the interpretation of the law.

The number of laws in Pakistan: a complex issue

Estimating the number of laws in Pakistan is a complex issue due to the vast number of laws that exist at the federal, provincial, and local levels. Laws are constantly being amended and repealed, making it difficult to keep track of the exact number of laws in force. Additionally, there are a large number of regulations, ordinances, and bylaws that are not classified as laws but still have the force of law.

Estimates of the number of laws in Pakistan

There is no exact figure for the number of laws in Pakistan, but estimates range from 20,000 to 80,000. Some laws are outdated and no longer applicable, while others are redundant or conflicting with other laws. The complexity of the legal system and the large number of laws have created difficulties in the administration of justice and have contributed to a backlog of cases in the courts.

The legal system in Pakistan faces a number of challenges, including corruption, lack of resources, and a backlog of cases in the courts. There is a perception among the public that the legal system is slow, inefficient, and expensive. There is also a lack of trust in the judiciary, which has led to a culture of impunity and a reluctance to seek justice through the courts.

Conclusion: The need for legal reform in Pakistan

The legal system in Pakistan is in need of reform to address the challenges it faces. The government should take steps to simplify the legal system and remove outdated and redundant laws. There should also be efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the courts and to increase public trust in the judiciary. Legal reform is essential for the development of a just and equitable society in Pakistan.

References and further reading

  • Constitution of Pakistan
  • Pakistan Penal Code
  • Code of Criminal Procedure
  • Code of Civil Procedure
  • Federal Laws of Pakistan
  • Provincial Laws of Pakistan
  • Islamic Laws of Pakistan
  • Pakistan Law and Justice Commission
  • Pakistan Bar Council
  • Pakistan Supreme Court
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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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