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The Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) has been summoned to meet on Monday, the 2nd March, 2026 at 10.30 a.m. in the Parliament House, Islamabad. The National Assembly has been summoned to meet on Tuesday, the 3rd March, 2026 at 03:00 p.m. in the Parliament House, Islamabad. Committee Meetings:01:30 PM: 3rd meeting of the Sub-Committee of the SC on Power Division (Revised, Change in Time) at Committee Room No.7 (4th Floor), Parliament House, Islamabad | 02:00 PM: 9th meeting of the SC on Government Assurances at Constitution Room / Committee Room No. 5 (2nd Floor), Parliament House , Islamabad | 03:30 PM: 20th meeting of the Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming at Committee Room of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Block-F, Pak-Secretariat, Islamabad |

How the National Assembly Works

Pakistan operates under a federal parliamentary democratic system, where the Parliament serves as the supreme legislative body. Modelled on the British Westminster system, it embodies the principles of democracy, representation, and checks and balances. The Parliament of Pakistan consists of two houses, the National Assembly and the Senate, ensuring both proportional and regional representation in law-making. Additionally, the President of Pakistan acts as the head of state, while the Prime Minister, elected from the National Assembly, functions as the chief executive. This system ensures that laws reflect the will of the people while maintaining constitutional safeguards.

Structure of Pakistan’s Parliament

 Article 50 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan describes the composition of the Parliament.

The President 

As the symbol of the unity of the Federation, the President:  

  • Assent to Legislation: In accordance with Article 75, the President grants assent to bills passed by both the National Assembly and the Senate.

  • Return of Bills for Reconsideration: Under Article 75, the President may return a bill (other than a Money Bill) to the Parliament with a request for reconsideration.

  • Promulgation of Ordinances: Pursuant to Article 89, the President is empowered to promulgate Ordinances when either the National Assembly or the Senate is not in session, subject to constitutional limitations.

  • Proclamation of Emergency: As per Article 232, the President may issue a Proclamation of Emergency. 

  • Dissolution of the National Assembly: Under Article 58(1) the President may dissolve the National Assembly on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The National Assembly 

The National Assembly consists of 336 members, including 266 directly elected representatives, 60 seats reserved for women, and 10 for religious minorities. Members are elected through a mixed electoral system that combines elements of regional and proportional representation.  

Key Functions:  

  • Legislation (Article 70): Debating, passing the Federal Laws, including the money bills, and sending them to the Senate for approval. It also acts as a reviewing chamber for bills passed by the Senate.

  • Government Formation: The Prime Minister is elected by the majority party or coalition from this House. Hence, he is also the Leader of the House.

  • Executive Oversight: It holds the government accountable through debates, questions, and no-confidence motions.

  • Budget Approval: The National Assembly scrutinizes and approves the Federal Budget. The Budget is presented by the Minister for Finance or the Minister-in- Charge, no other business is transacted, and there is no discussion on the day of the Budget except the introduction of the Finance Bill (Rules 184 & 185 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007). There are three stages of discussion on the Budget, i.e. General discussion on the Budget as a whole; discussion on appropriations (in respect of charged expenditure); and discussion and voting on demands for grants (in respect of expenditure other than charged expenditure), including voting on motions for reduction, if any (Rule 186). The Speaker, in consultation with the Minister-in- Charge, allots days for the different stages of the Budget and at least two days are elapsed between the day the Budget is presented and the first day allotted for the general discussion on the Budget, and not less than four days have to be allotted for the general discussion on the Budget (Rule 187). Any MNA can move the cut- motion to reduce the amount of demand in any of the three ways, i.e. “that the amount of the demand be reduced to Re. 1”; “that the amount of the demand be reduced by a specified amount”; or “that the amount of the demand be reduced by Rs.100” (Rule 189) and the Speaker decides whether a cut-motion is or is not admissible (Rule 191). At the end, the Budget is approved by the vote of a simple
    majority of the Members of the National Assembly.

The Senate 

The Senate comprises 96 members, representing all four provinces and the federal capital. Senators are elected by provincial assemblies, ensuring equal Provincial representation regardless of population size.  

Key Functions:  

  • Legislation: Debating, passing of Federal Laws except money bills, and sending them to the National Assembly for approval. It also acts as a reviewing chamber
    for bills passed by the National Assembly.

  • Protecting Provincial Interests: Ensures federal laws do not undermine provincial autonomy.

  • Constitutional Safeguards: Plays a critical role in constitutional amendments, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses

Regarding the composition of the Federal Cabinet, the Constitution of Pakistan, under Article 92, stipulates that the total number of Federal Ministers and Ministers of State should not exceed 11% of the total membership of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament).

Roles and Responsibilities of Members of the National Assembly (MNA)

Legislative Duties  

In accordance with Article 70 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Members of the National Assembly have the right to introduce, debate, and vote on bills. While most legislation is introduced by the government (referred to as Government Bills), Private Members may also introduce bills, as provided under Rule 118 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007. All proposed legislation is subject to debate and voting in accordance with the prescribed parliamentary procedures.

Representation Role of MNAs (Members of the National Assembly):

Constituency Engagement:

In accordance with their representative mandate under Article 51 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, MNAs are elected to represent specific geographical constituencies. They are responsible for addressing public grievances, advocating for development projects, and maintaining regular interaction with constituents to ensure their voices are heard in the legislative process.

Raising Constituency Issues in Parliament:

MNAs may raise matters of public importance concerning their constituencies. These include issues related to infrastructure, education, law and order, power and energy, social welfare, healthcare, and climate change, among others. Such matters can be raised through motions, questions, and other parliamentary instruments to ensure appropriate governmental response and accountability.

Oversight and Accountability

  • House Proceedings: Members of the National Assembly actively participate in legislative processes, engage in debates, raise Calling Attention Notices, submit Adjournment Motions, and move Resolutions, and cast votes on legislative and policy matters.

  • Question Hour: This period is designated for holding the Executive accountable to the Parliament by allowing Members to pose questions regarding the functioning of various ministries and departments.

  • Standing Committees: These committees deliberate on matters referred to them by the House or the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly. They play a key role in the scrutiny of legislation and oversight of government functions.

  • No-Confidence Motion: The National Assembly holds the constitutional authority to remove the Prime Minister from office through a vote of no-confidence, requiring a majority of the total membership.

Budgetary Control  

MNAs debate and approve the Finance Bill, ensuring public funds are allocated transparently and efficiently during the Annual Budget Session, which takes place in June each year.  

The Lawmaking Process in Pakistan

The legislative process in Pakistan begins with the proposal of a bill, which can be introduced by government Ministers (Government Bill), individual Members of Parliament (Private Member Bill), or, in the case of financial matters (Money Bill), exclusivelyby the National Assembly. Once introduced (First Reading), the bill undergoes a series of readings and reviews, including detailed debates and examination by relevant Standing Committees that incorporate expert and stakeholder input (Second Reading).

After careful consideration and refinement, the bill is put to a final vote in the originating house (Third Reading). If approved, it proceeds to the other house for further scrutiny. In cases of disagreement between the two Houses, a joint session is convened to resolve the issue.

Following parliamentary approval, the bill is sent to the President for assent. Upon receiving the President’s signature, the bill becomes law and is implemented by the relevant government Ministries, shaping Pakistan’s governance and legal framework.

The powers and functions of the National Assembly are explicitly defined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973. 

https://www.na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/640b00c9009d8_878.pdf

The business of the National Assembly is conducted according to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007.