A chief minister (Urdu: وزیر اعلى—Wazīr-e Aʿlá), is the executive head of the provincial government or the " de facto executive", whereas in contrast, the governor is the nominal head, or the "de jure executive" and does everything under the guidance of the chief minister and chief minister according to article 131 of the 1973 constitution shall keep the governor informed on matters relating to provincial government. Moreover, all executive actions of the provincial government shall be expressed to be taken in the name of governor according to article 139. The chief minister is elected by the provincial assembly, and is the leader of the provincial Legislature.[1]
The parliamentary system in Pakistan follows the Westminster system.[2] Hence the ministers of the provinces are elected by the members of the legislature, and the majority party is invited to elect a leader, whose tenure lasts for five years. The people do not elect the head of the government, rather they elect their representatives only. In turn their representatives select the head of the government. The head of the government, once elected, enjoys almost exclusive executive powers.
The Constitution of Pakistan sets the principle qualifications one must meet to be eligible to the office of the Chief Minister. A Chief Minister must be:
The chief minister is elected through a majority in the provincial legislative assembly. This is procedurally established by the vote of confidence in the legislative assembly, as suggested by the majority party who is the appointing authority.[3]
After the successful elections, the swearing is done before the governor of the province. The oath of office, according to the "Articles [2] 130(5) and 132(2)" of the constitution is as follows.[4]
(In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.)
I, ____________, do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Pakistan:
- That, as a Chief Minister (or Minister) of the Government of the Province of ____________, I will discharge my duties, and perform my functions, honestly, to the best of my ability, faithfully in accordance with the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the law, and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well- being and prosperity of Pakistan:
- That I will strive to preserve the Islamic Ideology which is the basis for the creation of Pakistan:
- That I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions:
- That I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan:
- That, in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favor, affection or ill- will:
- And that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as Chief Minister (or Minister) except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as Chief Minister (or Minister) or as may be specially permitted by the Chief Minister.
May Allah Almighty help and guide me (A'meen).
The Governor may ask the Chief Minister to continue to hold office until his successor enters upon the office of Chief Minister. The Chief Minister shall continue to hold office until his successor enters upon the office of Chief Minister. After the dissolution of the provincial assembly, nothing in Article 131 or Article 132 can be construed to disqualify the Chief Minister or a Provincial Minister from continuing in the office.[5]
The table below lists the currently serving chief ministers and heads of administrative units (AUs) of Pakistan as of 26 February 2024.