An Analysis of the Role of 13th National Assembly (2008-2013) in the Constitutional and Political Development of Pakistan

Abstract

In order to fulfill the administrative requirements of the military regime, General Pervaiz Musharraf (1999-2008) transformed the parliamentary form of government as originally provided by the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan into a quasi-presidential system. Afterwards, the government of Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) tried to revive the constitution in its original form. During its term of five years, it not only successfully incorporated 18th, 19th, and 20th Constitutional Amendments but also kept the 13th National Assembly (2008-2013) more functional in terms of ordinary legislation mainly focusing on the socio-political welfare of the general public. Another milestone that was achieved during the said period was the approval of the 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. The current study intends to review the functioning of the federal legislature during the said term of PPP in order to assess whether or not the Assembly effectively represented the general will by formulating public policies or worked as mere debating house. A descriptive and analytical methodology is used to find the conclusion. It has been revealed that the said Assembly remained vigorously active and functional during the 2008-2013 tenure of PPP government. Besides passing the abovementioned crucial Constitutional Amendments, it preferred to legislate for the welfare of general people particularly of women.