Question

What amendments did General Pervez Musharraf bring in the constitution of Pakistan by issuing a Legal Framework Order in August 2002?

Answer 1

Hint: Pervez Musharraf, a Pakistani military officer, served as President of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008. He played an important role by fighting in Pakistan’s 1965 and 1971 wars with India. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appointed him the head of the army in the year 1998. It is believed that he played a prominent role in the invasion of Indian administered Kashmir region in the year 1999.

Complete step by step answer:
In August 2002, Pervez Musharraf issued a ‘ Legal Framework Order’ that amended the constitution of Pakistan in the following ways; According to this Order, the President (Musharraf) can dismiss the national and provincial assemblies. Under this Order, the elected representatives had some powers but the final power rested with military officials and General Pervez Musharraf himself. Under this Legal Framework Order, his term as the President was extended for another five years. The general elections were also framed under it, however, after these elections, Musharraf had the majority in Parliament and when the Supreme Court of Pakistan overruled his amendments and ordered him to pass them by parliament two-third majority, he could easily get it even after having a strong opposition through doing a compromise with a fraction of it.

Note: According to this Order, the functions of the Civilian Cabinet were supervised by a National Security Council which was dominated by military officials. This Order empowered him more and revived the 1973 constitution provisions in Pakistan. Therefore, even after the elected government under Musharraf, democratic principles were absent during his time.