Laws Applicable in Pakistan


This article provides an overview of the key laws in Pakistan, covering various areas such as the Constitution, criminal law, civil law, commercial law, labor law, taxation law, environmental law, cybercrime law, and human rights law. It highlights the main legislation related to each area and offers a general understanding of the legal framework in the country.

1.      Constitution: 

The Constitution of Pakistan is the supreme law of the country, providing the framework for governance, fundamental rights, and the distribution of powers among the federal and provincial governments.

2.      Criminal Law: 

The Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) is the primary law governing criminal offenses in Pakistan. It outlines various offenses, their definitions, and punishments. Other relevant laws include the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and the Anti-Narcotics Act, 1997, among others.

3.      Civil Law: 

The civil law system in Pakistan encompasses various areas, including contract law, property law, family law, and tort law. The Contracts Act, 1872, the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, and the Family Laws Ordinance, 1961, are some notable legislations. 

4.      Commercial Law: 

The law related to business and commerce in Pakistan includes the Companies Act, 2017, which governs the incorporation and functioning of companies, and the Sales of Goods Act, 1930, which deals with the sale and purchase of goods. Intellectual Property Law: Intellectual property rights in Pakistan are protected under the Copyright Ordinance, 1962, the Trademarks Act, 2001, and the Patents Ordinance, 2000, among other legislation.

5.      Labor Law: 

Labor rights and employment matters are covered under various laws, including the Industrial Relations Act, 2012, the Factories Act, 1934, and the Employees' Old-Age Benefits Act, 1976.

6.     Taxation Law: 

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) governs taxation matters in Pakistan. The Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, and the Sales Tax Act, 1990, are key laws related to income tax and sales tax, respectively.

7.      Environmental Law: 

Environmental protection and conservation laws in Pakistan include the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, and the Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017, among others.

8.      Cybercrime Law: 

The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, addresses various forms of cybercrime, including unauthorized access to computer systems, cyberstalking, and online harassment. 

9.      Human Rights Law: 

Pakistan has ratified several international human rights treaties. The Constitution and the Pakistan Human Rights Commission Act, 2012, provide a legal framework for the protection of human rights in the country. These are just a few examples of the laws in Pakistan, and there are numerous other laws, regulations, and ordinances that govern different aspects of life in the country.

FAQs

Q: What is the Constitution of Pakistan, and what does it cover?

A: The Constitution of Pakistan is the supreme law of the country, which provides the framework for governance, fundamental rights, and the distribution of powers among the federal and provincial governments. It covers various aspects of governance, including the structure of the state, fundamental rights and freedoms, the powers and functions of the executive, legislature, and judiciary, and the system of elections.

Q: What is criminal law in Pakistan, and what are some key laws related to it?

A: Criminal law in Pakistan governs criminal offenses and their punishments. The primary law related to criminal offenses is the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which outlines various offenses, their definitions, and punishments. Other relevant laws include the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and the Anti-Narcotics Act, 1997, among others.

Q: What is civil law in Pakistan, and what are some key laws related to it?

A: The civil law system in Pakistan encompasses various areas, including contract law, property law, family law, and tort law. Some notable legislations in this regard include the Contracts Act, 1872, the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, and the Family Laws Ordinance, 1961.

Q: What is commercial law in Pakistan, and what are some key laws related to it?

A: Commercial law in Pakistan covers laws related to business and commerce. Some key laws related to commercial law include the Companies Act, 2017, which governs the incorporation and functioning of companies, and the Sales of Goods Act, 1930, which deals with the sale and purchase of goods.

Q: How are intellectual property rights protected in Pakistan?

A: Intellectual property rights in Pakistan are protected under the Copyright Ordinance, 1962, the Trademarks Act, 2001, and the Patents Ordinance, 2000, among other legislation.

Q: What is labor law in Pakistan, and what are some key laws related to it?

A: Labor law in Pakistan covers labor rights and employment matters. Some key laws related to labor law include the Industrial Relations Act, 2012, the Factories Act, 1934, and the Employees' Old-Age Benefits Act, 1976.

Q: What is taxation law in Pakistan, and what are some key laws related to it?

A: Taxation law in Pakistan is governed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Key laws related to taxation in Pakistan include the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, and the Sales Tax Act, 1990, which govern income tax and sales tax, respectively.

Q: What are some environmental laws in Pakistan?

A: Environmental protection and conservation laws in Pakistan include the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, and the Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017, among others.

Q: What is cybercrime law in Pakistan, and what does it cover?

A: The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, addresses various forms of cybercrime, including unauthorized access to computer systems, cyberstalking, and online harassment.

Q: What are some laws related to human rights in Pakistan?

A: Pakistan has ratified several international human rights treaties, and the Constitution and the Pakistan Human Rights Commission Act, 2012, provide a legal framework for the protection of human rights in the country.

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