Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 — Article 228

228. Composition, etc., of Islamic Council..—(1) There shall be constituted1 within a period of ninety days from the commencing day a Council of Islamic Ideology, in this part referred to as the Islamic Council.

(2)The Islamic Council shall consist of such members, being not less than eight and not more than 2[twenty] as the President may appoint from amongst persons having knowledge of the principles and philosophy of Islam as enunciated in the Holy Quran and Sunnah, or understanding of the economic, political, legal or administrative problems of Pakistan.

(3)While appointing members of the Islamic Council, the President shall ensure that

(a)so far as practicable various schools of thought are represented in the Council;

(b)not less than two of the members are persons each of whom is, or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court;

(c)not less than 3[one third] of the members are persons each of whom has been engaged, for a period of not less than fifteen years, in Islamic research or instruction; and

(d)at least one member is a woman. 4 [(4) The President shall appoint one of the members of the Islamic Council to be the Chairman thereof.]

(5)Subject to clause (6), a member of the Islamic Council shall hold office for a period of three years.

(6)A member may, by writing under his hand addressed to the President, resign his office or may be removed by the President upon the passing of a resolution for his removal by a majority of the total membership of the Islamic Council. 229. Reference by 5[Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament)], etc., to Islamic Council. The President or the Governor of a Province may, or if 6[one-fourth] of its total membership so requires, a House or a Provincial Assembly shall, refer to the Islamic Council for advice any question as to whether a proposed law is or is not repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam. 1 For the notification constituting the Council of Islamic Ideology, see Gaz. of Pak..1974, Ext., Pt. II, p. 165. For the Council of Islamic Ideology (Terms and Conditions of Members) Rules, 1974, see Gaz. of Pak., Ext., Pt. II, p. 1727. 2 Subs. by the Constitution (Fourth Amendment) Order, 1980 (P.O. No. 16 of 1980), Art. 2. 3 Subs by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amendment) Act, 2010 (Act No. X of 2010), s. 85. 4 Subs. by the Constitution (Fourth Amendment) Order, 1982 (P.O. No. 13 of 1982), Art. 2. 5 Subs. by the Revival of the Constitution of 1973 Order, 1985 (P.O. No. 14 of 1985), Art.2 and Sch. 6 Subs. by the Constitution (Twenty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act No. XXVI of 2024), s. 23.