Data code: PK
Type of government: republic
Capital: Islamabad
Administrative divisions: 4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**, North-West Frontier, Punjab, Sindh note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas
Independence: 14 August 1947 (from UK)
National holiday: Pakistan Day, 23 March (1956) (proclamation of
the republic)
Constitution: 10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977, restored with
amendments 30 December 1985
Legal system: based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's stature as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal; separate electorates and
reserved parliamentary seats for non-Muslims
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Sardar Farooq LEGHARI (since 13 November
1993) was elected for a five-year term by Parliament; election last
held 13 November 1993 (next to be held no later than 14 October
1998); results - LEGHARI was elected by Parliament and the four
provincial assemblies
head of government: Prime Minister Benazir BHUTTO (since 19 October
1993) was elected by the National Assembly
cabinet: Cabinet was elected by the National Assembly