Chief Minister of Pakistan

Chief Minister

1. Introduction:

According to the constitution 1973 provincial government performs its function its function through chief minister. he is the leader of the house in a province.

2. Relevant Provisions:

Art 130, 131, 130, 136.

3. Election of chief minister:

Chief minister is appointed by the Governor from amongst the members of provincial assembly who in the opinion of majority of the members of the provincial assembly.

4. Conditions for candidate:

1. He should be citizen of Pakistan.

2. Should not be less than 25 years of age.

3. Should not be insolvent.

4. Should be sound minded.

5. His name should be in electoral role.

6. Should not hold any office of profit in services of Pakistan.

5. Oath taking:

Chief minister shall take oath of office before the governor of the province.

6. Resign of chief minister:

In accordance with clause (b) of Article 130, chief minister may in writing addressed to the governor resign his office.

7. Termination of chief minister or procedure of vote of non-confidence:

A resolution for a vote of non-confidence can be moved against minister by not less than twenty percent total membership of the provincial assembly. The resolution shall be voted upon after the expiration of three days but before seven days from the day on which such resolution is moved. if the resolution is passed by a majority of total membership, chief minister shall cease to hold office.

8. Cabinet of chief minister:

Chief minister chooses minister for his cabinet from amongst the provincial assembly members who shall be appointed by the governor. chief minister and his cabinet collectively answerable to the provincial assembly. he has the authority to perform his functions either by himself or through his minister.

9. Powers and functions of chief minister:

(i) Executive powers:

Chief minister has all the executive powers in the province. he is responsible for all administrative matters of the province. he is also responsible to maintain law and order in the province.

(ii) Power of appointment:

The judges of high court are appointed on the advice of chief minister. he also appoints the minister.

(iii) Legislative powers:

Chief minister being the leader of majority party in the provincial assembly has legislative powers. no bill can be passed without the consent of chief minister.

(iv) Financial powers:

The annual budget is prepared under the supervision of Chief minister.

(v) Dissolution of Provincial assembly:

Governor dissolves the provincial assembly on the advice of chief minister. if governor does not dissolve the assembly it shall stand dissolved after 48 hours of such advice.

10. Duties of Chief minister in relation to governor:

It shall be the duty of chief minister:

(i) To communicate the governor the decision of the cabinet in relation to the administration of the affairs of the provinces and proposals for legislation.

(ii) To furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the province and proposals for legislation as the governor may call for and

(iii) If the governor so requires to submit for the consideration of the cabinet any matter on which a decision has been taken by the chief minister but which has not been considered by the cabinet. 

11. Conclusion:

To conclude I can say that, chief minister is the leader of the provincial assembly. he is appointed by the governor. chief minister appoints his cabinet. constitutionally chief minister and his cabinet is responsible to the provincial assembly.