The Prime Minister of Pakistan

Election

• Must be a Muslim member of the National Assembly (Article 91).
• Elected by a majority of the total membership of the National Assembly; if no one obtains it in the first round, a second poll is held between the top two candidates.
• Holds office as long as he or she retains the Assembly's confidence.

Powers and functions

• Head of the Federal Cabinet; executive authority is exercised through the Prime Minister (Article 90).
• Advises the President, whose advice is generally binding.
• Selects ministers, advisers and special assistants.
• Chairs the Council of Common Interests, the National Economic Council and the National Security Committee.
• Leads national policy, foreign policy and economic policy.
• Advises appointments of governors, service chiefs and senior officials.
• Can advise the President to dissolve the National Assembly.

Accountability

• The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively responsible to the National Assembly.
• A no-confidence resolution moved by at least 20% of members and passed by a majority of the total membership removes the Prime Minister (Article 95).
• Courts have disqualified prime ministers in 2012 and 2017.

Challenges

• No Prime Minister has completed a full five-year term.
• Civil-military imbalance and judicial interventions.
• Coalition pressures and weak party institutions.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister is the centre of Pakistan's executive. Stable tenure, collective cabinet decision-making and accountability to Parliament are essential for effective government.