Abstract

The Parliament has a significant role in determining a country’s legislative structure and in guaranteeing its democratic administration. By employing a qualitative research design, the present study explores the intricacies of the legislation of the Parliamentary system of Pakistan and the role and challenges it grapples with. It gives particular attention to how new legislation is framed and implemented, how officials adhere to the law and procedures, and explores the roles of legislators in the process. Based on the interviews conducted with the legislation experts, policy makers, and member parliamentarians, insights are provided using thematic content analysis. Further, it also includes a comparative analysis between India and Bangladesh to get a clear picture of legislation in these South Asian nations. The study findings highlighted significant deviations from the legislative norms and standards including the direct political influence on the legislation process and multiple attempts to control the parliament by Pakistan’s executive branch. Such interventions erode the Pakistani Parliament’s independence and decision-making powers. The study proposes various policy suggestions such as improving the efficiency, accountability, and credibility of the parliamentary system of Pakistan to uphold democratic rule. These suggestions will help in strengthening the function of parliamentary committees, controlling and supervising the government, restricting non-political interference, and increasing parliament’s openness & the public’s indirect engagement in the legislation while learning from other regional partners. However, to simplify the legislative process, to understand the legislative process, and to make the above policy suggestions effective, training and instructional seminars for members of parliament are needed.