The President of Pakistan holds more power than the Prime Minister in the country's political system.
Understanding the Power Dynamics
The Pakistani Constitution establishes a semi-presidential system, where power is shared between the President and the Prime Minister. However, the President holds several key advantages:
- Appointment Power: The President appoints the Prime Minister, as well as other important officials like judges and military commanders.
- Dissolution of Parliament: The President has the power to dissolve the National Assembly (parliament), leading to new elections.
- Emergency Powers: In times of national emergency, the President can assume significant powers, including the ability to suspend the Constitution.
- Oversight of Military: The President is the supreme commander of the armed forces, giving them considerable influence over the military.
Examples of Presidential Power
- 1999 Coup: President Pervez Musharraf led a military coup, ousting the elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
- 2007 Emergency: President Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule, suspending the Constitution and dissolving the Supreme Court.
- 2018 Election: President Mamnoon Hussain dissolved the National Assembly after the Prime Minister resigned, leading to new elections.
Key Differences
The Prime Minister's power is largely limited to governing the country through the executive branch. While they lead the majority party in the National Assembly, they are ultimately accountable to the President.
Conclusion
While the Prime Minister heads the government and leads the legislature, the President holds significant constitutional and extra-constitutional power, making them a more influential figure in Pakistani politics.
