The Government of Pakistan is established by the constitution of Pakistan, constitutionally called the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Normally the state of affairs of every state is running under the supervision of three institutions or branches, including the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judiciary branch. All three executive bodies are very responsible and important branches of Pakistan. The core responsibilities and duties of these branches are defined by the acts and amendments of Parliament. Parliament and Senate are the two executive legislative bodies of Pakistan and here we will discuss What is the Difference Between Senate and Parliament in Pakistan In Pakistan Parliament is also able to make amendments to Constitution.
Difference Between Senate and Parliament in Pakistan
Table Contents
Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora) is comprised of the President, National Assembly (Lower Chamber), and the Senate (Upper Chamber). Senate and National Assembly are the two main houses of Parliament.
Aspect | Senate | Parliament |
Composition | Upper House of the Parliament | Comprises both the Senate and National Assembly |
Members | 104 members (four from each province, including Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and Islamabad Capital Territory) | 342 members in the National Assembly |
Representation | Represents regional interests and provinces | Represents the people of Pakistan as a whole |
Term | 6 years | 5 years |
Election | Indirect election by members of provincial assemblies and the National Assembly | Direct election by eligible voters of Pakistan |
Powers | Legislative functions, including proposing, reviewing, and amending bills | Legislative functions, including proposing, reviewing, and amending bills |
Role | Provides equal representation to all provinces, safeguards regional interests, reviews and approves legislation | Lawmaking, scrutinizing government policies, approving budget, and ensuring government accountability |
Speaker | Chairman of the Senate | Speaker of the National Assembly |
Quorum | One-fourth of the total membership | One-fourth of the total membership |
The basic difference between Senate and Parliament we can say that the Parliament is the legislative institute and branch of Government and Senate is the upper chamber or one of the houses of Parliament. You can get additional information regarding What is the Difference Between Senate and Parliament in Pakistan is further described in separate headings.
Senate in Pakistan:
The upper Chamber of Parliament is known as Senate and Senate is one of the houses of Parliament. Senate is the upper body in Pakistan which represents the provinces or territories. And is helpful in promoting peace, prosperity, and harmony for the growth of the nation. Senate is the guarantor of National Unity .And a permanent house that symbolize harmony, unity, and peace in the National Affair of Pakistan. further, get info about What is the Difference between National Assembly and Provincial Assembly in Pakistan
Each of the four provincial assemblies elects 23 members from their respective provinces, four members are elected by the National Assembly from the Federal Capital. And the rest of the 8 members are elected by the Federal Administrator Tribal Areas (FATA). Or as per order by the President and each senator’s term is of six years.
The Chairman of the Senate acts as a President in that case if the office of President becomes vacant till the position may be filled by the elections. There are 104 senators in the Parliament of Pakistan. The members of the Senate are elected according to Article 59 of the Constitution. The functions and responsibilities of the Senate are listed below;
Functions of the Senate of Pakistan:
- The Basic function or role of the Senate is to promote national cohesion.
- To promote peace and harmony
- It balances the provincial inequality
- Senate dispels the apprehension and doubts regarding deprivation and exploitation
Parliament of Pakistan:
The Parliament of Pakistan is the main Federal and supreme Legislative body of Pakistan. Parliament consists of two main houses that are National Assembly and Senate. According to the Constitution, the President of Pakistan is also a component of Parliament. The President is also elected by the members of both houses of the Parliament and Provincial Assemblies. It is mainly responsible for enacting laws, fulfilling duties mentioned in the Constitution and improving the budget. There are total 446 Parliamentarians in Pakistan. The following functions and the responsibilities of Parliament are mentioned below;
Functions of Parliament of Pakistan:
- Legislation of Law
- Powers and Limitations
- Oversight of Government
- Financial Accountability
- Pre-Budget Discussion
- Passing of Budget
Key Difference between Parliament and Senate:
- Parliament is comprised of National Assembly and Senate, while Senate is the component of Parliament and representative of provinces and territories.
- In Pakistan Parliament is the legislative body or branch while Senate is not considered the legislative body but a component of the Parliament
- Parliament plays legislature responsibilities (Laws, powers, limitations financial accountability, etc) while Senate promotes national cohesion
- President is also a component of Parliament according to the constitution but the president is not the component of the Senate.
- Parliament symbolizes legislation of law while Senate symbolizes national harmony and unity.