GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN

A Part of the Problem?

Pakistan's government is one of the chief barriers to effective change.  A Federal Republic until October of 1999, Pakistan is now a Military Dictatorship, under the rule of General Pervez Musharraf.  Intentionally or not, the state of Pakistani government has made many non-government organizations (NGOs) hesitant to work with them.  As you look through the rest of the site, you will see that without some change in Pakistan's government, or a change in NGO policy, Pakistan will be far less able to improve its situation.   As we examine any solution for Pakistan's quickly growing population, overtaxed resources and economy, we must remember that every solution must come in contact with Pakistan's undemocratic government.

Official Name:  The Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Government Type:  Military Dictatorship  (formerly Federal Republic)

Capital:  Islamabad

Constitution:  Ratified 10 April 1973.  

• Temporarily  suspended 5 July 1977

• Restored with amendments 30 December 1985.   

• Suspended indefinitely  15 October 1999 following the military takeover of 12 October 1999. 

Legal System:  Based on a combination of Islamic Law and English Common Law.  

Suffrage:  Universal, with separate electorates for Muslims and non-Muslims

*Note:  All of this represents only Pakistan's Government on paper.  In reality, the rule of General Pervez Musharraf.