Pakistan

This chapter evaluates international law in Pakistan. In the international arena, Pakistan was collectively recognized as a sovereign state within the community of nations by gaining membership of the United Nations. Pakistan is also a member of various other international and regional governmental organizations. Now enshrined in the country’s Constitution of 1973 are principles of policy for the state to ‘promote international peace and security, foster goodwill and friendly relations among all nations and encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means’. With regards to its international law obligations, Pakistan operates as a dualist state: The Rules of Business 1973 empower the Cabinet to sign and ratify international treaties and agreements on behalf of the state, following which the Parliament is tasked with their incorporation via implementing legislation. The chapter then highlights Pakistan’s contribution to international law, through state practice or otherwise, as well as the role of international law in Pakistan’s domestic jurisprudence.