KPPSC PMS Screening key terms

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, each exercising defined powers. Pakistan's 1973 Constitution distributes legislative subjects between the Federation and the provinces through lists.

A schedule of subjects on which both the federal and provincial legislatures could legislate. Pakistan's 18th Amendment abolished it, devolving its residual subjects to the provinces.

A 2010 constitutional package that devolved powers to provinces, renamed the NWFP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, removed the concurrent list, and altered appointment procedures for judges and the Chief Election Commissioner.

The degree to which provinces can legislate and administer subjects without federal interference. It is a recurring theme in Pakistani constitutional debate, strengthened significantly by the 18th Amendment.

A constitutional body chaired by the Prime Minister with provincial chief ministers as members. It formulates policy on subjects in Part II of the Federal Legislative List and resolves federal-provincial disputes.

A local government system introduced by Ayub Khan in 1959, creating a tiered structure of union councils and district councils. Its elected Basic Democrats served as the electoral college for the presidency in 1960.

A 1949 resolution moved by Liaquat Ali Khan that set the ideological direction of Pakistan's constitution, asserting sovereignty belongs to Allah and that Muslims would be enabled to live per Islamic principles. It became a substantive part of the Constitution in 1985.

Pakistan's current and third constitution, adopted unanimously by the National Assembly and effective from 14 August 1973. It established a parliamentary federal system with a bicameral legislature and a ceremonial President.

A legislature with two houses. Pakistan's Parliament comprises the National Assembly, elected on population-based constituencies, and the Senate, which gives equal representation to provinces.

The upper house of Pakistan's Parliament. It has 96 members after the 2018 merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with equal provincial representation and members elected for six-year terms.

The lower and directly elected house of Pakistan's Parliament, with general seats allocated to provinces and reserved seats for women and non-Muslims. It elects the Prime Minister and controls the federal government's confidence.

A constitutional advisory body that reviews laws for conformity with Islamic injunctions and recommends measures to enable Muslims to live according to Islamic principles. Its advice is advisory, not binding.

Constitutional clauses declaring Islam the state religion, requiring the President and Prime Minister to be Muslim, and barring legislation repugnant to Islam. They reflect the Objectives Resolution's influence.

Guarantees in Part II, Chapter 1 of Pakistan's Constitution, including equality before law, freedom of speech, and protection from arbitrary detention. They are enforceable through writ petitions in High Courts.

The power of High Courts and the Supreme Court to issue writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, certiorari, prohibition, and quo warranto to protect fundamental rights and correct unlawful official action.

The authority of courts to examine whether legislative and executive actions conform to the Constitution. In Pakistan it is exercised through writ jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction of superior courts.

A constitutional body that recommends the distribution of financial resources between the Federation and provinces. Its awards, issued periodically, determine provincial shares of federal revenues.

The gap between government expenditure and revenue in a given period, financed through borrowing. In Pakistan it is a central concern of macroeconomic policy and IMF programme discussions.

A sustained rise in the general price level, eroding purchasing power. Pakistan's inflation is measured mainly by the Consumer Price Index, and monetary policy targets it through the policy rate.

Central bank actions to manage money supply and credit conditions, chiefly by setting the policy rate. In Pakistan the State Bank's Monetary Policy Committee announces decisions on a scheduled basis.

Pakistan's central bank, responsible for monetary stability, currency issuance, banking regulation, and foreign exchange reserves. It was established in 1948 and gained greater autonomy under later reforms.

A systematic record of a country's transactions with the rest of the world, covering the current account, capital account, and financial account. Persistent deficits pressure the exchange rate and reserves.

Assets held by a central bank in foreign currencies and gold to support the exchange rate and meet external obligations. In Pakistan reserves are reported separately for the SBP and commercial banks.

Money transferred by Pakistanis working abroad to families at home. They are a major source of foreign exchange, helping offset trade deficits and stabilise the current account.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a framework of infrastructure, energy, and connectivity projects linking Gwadar with China's Xinjiang region. It is central to Pakistan's infrastructure and energy planning.

A designated area offering tax and regulatory incentives to attract industrial investment and exports. Pakistan has established several such zones, many linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Government measures shaping the structure and competitiveness of manufacturing, including tariffs, incentives, and credit allocation. Pakistan's policy debate focuses on export diversification and import substitution.

The excess of a country's imports over its exports in a period. Pakistan's persistent trade deficit is a key driver of external imbalance and pressure on the rupee.

Seventeen global goals adopted by the UN in 2015 to be achieved by 2030, covering poverty, health, education, and environment. Pakistan aligns its national planning with them.

A composite index of life expectancy, education, and per capita income published by UNDP. It ranks countries by average achievement in health, knowledge, and living standards.

The income or consumption threshold below which a person is considered poor. Pakistan's official estimates use a calorie-based and cost-of-basic-needs methodology, with international benchmarks for comparison.

Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, largely driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to floods, heatwaves, and glacial melt despite low emissions.

A process of identifying and evaluating the likely environmental effects of a proposed project before approval. Pakistan's environmental protection laws require it for specified categories of development.

The permanent administrative machinery of government, organised hierarchically and governed by rules. In Pakistan it is regulated by civil service rules and the Establishment Division.

The exercise of public authority in a manner that is accountable, transparent, participatory, and responsive to citizens' needs. It is a common theme in Pakistan's administrative reform discourse.

The principle that law, not arbitrary power, governs society, and that all persons and institutions are accountable under it. It underpins judicial independence and administrative accountability.

The division of governmental authority among legislature, executive, and judiciary, each checking the others. Pakistan's Constitution reflects it through distinct organs and mutual checks.

A Latin phrase meaning 'of its own kind', used in law to describe a unique category requiring special treatment. Pakistan is sometimes described as a sui generis federal system given its ideological basis.