Introduction
The Federal Shariat Court (FSC) of Pakistan plays a crucial role in ensuring that the laws of the country align with Islamic injunctions. Established under Chapter 3A of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, the court has the authority to review, interpret, and determine the Islamic legitimacy of laws.
If you are preparing for HEC LAW GAT, Judiciary Exams, Civil Judge, ADPP, CSS, or other competitive legal exams, mastering Chapter 3A (Articles 203A to 203J) is essential. This post provides a comprehensive overview, solved MCQs, and exam-focused insights to enhance your preparation.
Solved MCQs on Article 203A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973
For HEC LAW GAT, Civil Judge, Judicial Magistrate, ADPP, CSS & Other Competitive Exams
Article 203A: Federal Shariat Court’s Supremacy
1) What is the effect of Article 203A of the Constitution of Pakistan?
a) It subordinates the Federal Shariat Court to the High Court
b) It gives the Federal Shariat Court overriding authority over other constitutional provisions ✅
c) It limits the powers of the Federal Shariat Court
d) It places the Federal Shariat Court under the control of the Supreme Court
2) According to Article 203A, the provisions of Chapter 3A have effect:
a) Subject to the Supreme Court’s approval
b) Subject to the President’s decision
c) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Constitution ✅
d) Only if approved by the Parliament
3) Which judicial body is affected by the provisions of Article 203A?
a) The Supreme Court
b) The High Courts
c) The Federal Shariat Court ✅
d) All of the above
4) The main objective of Article 203A is to ensure that:
a) The Parliament can overrule the Federal Shariat Court
b) The Federal Shariat Court has supremacy in matters related to Islamic law ✅
c) The Supreme Court controls all decisions of the Federal Shariat Court
d) High Courts can overrule the Federal Shariat Court
5) Which chapter of the Constitution is Article 203A a part of?
a) Chapter 1 – The Federation
b) Chapter 2 – Fundamental Rights
c) Chapter 3A – Federal Shariat Court ✅
d) Chapter 5 – The Judiciary
6) What does the phrase “notwithstanding anything contained in the Constitution” mean in Article 203A?
a) The provisions of this Chapter take precedence over other constitutional provisions ✅
b) This Chapter can be ignored if Parliament decides
c) High Courts can overrule Federal Shariat Court decisions
d) The President can limit the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court
7) The Federal Shariat Court is primarily responsible for:
a) Reviewing cases related to fundamental rights
b) Interpreting the Constitution
c) Determining whether laws are in accordance with Islam ✅
d) Handling appeals from lower courts
8) Which of the following statements is correct about Article 203A?
a) The Federal Shariat Court’s decisions are subject to parliamentary approval
b) The Supreme Court has no authority over the Federal Shariat Court
c) This article gives the Federal Shariat Court overriding authority in its domain ✅
d) The Federal Shariat Court is a subordinate court to the High Court
9) Article 203A grants the Federal Shariat Court supremacy over:
a) Executive orders
b) Other provisions of the Constitution when dealing with Islamic law ✅
c) Decisions of the Supreme Court
d) International treaties
10) Which constitutional amendment introduced the Federal Shariat Court and Article 203A?
a) 1st Amendment
b) 5th Amendment
c) 8th Amendment ✅
d) 9th Amendment
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Article 203A establishes the Federal Shariat Court as the supreme authority in matters related to Islamic law.
✔ It provides that the provisions of Chapter 3A shall take effect notwithstanding any other constitutional provision.
✔ This reinforces the supremacy of Islamic principles in judicial review.
✔ The Federal Shariat Court can declare any law repugnant to the injunctions of Islam.
✔ The 8th Amendment played a crucial role in institutionalizing the Federal Shariat Court within the Constitution.
Solved MCQs on Article 203B of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973
For HEC LAW GAT, Civil Judge, Judicial Magistrate, ADPP, CSS & Other Competitive Exams
Article 203B: Definitions in the Federal Shariat Court
11) According to Article 203B of the Constitution of Pakistan, “Chief Justice” refers to:
a) The Chief Justice of Pakistan
b) The Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court ✅
c) The Chief Justice of the High Court
d) The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
12) Under Article 203B, the term “Court” specifically refers to:
a) The Supreme Court of Pakistan
b) The High Court
c) The Federal Shariat Court ✅
d) The District Court
13) The definition of “law” under Article 203B includes:
a) The Constitution
b) Muslim personal law
c) Any custom or usage having the force of law ✅
d) Banking laws permanently
14) Which of the following is NOT included in the definition of “law” under Article 203B?
a) Constitution ✅
b) Custom or usage having the force of law
c) Banking laws (for ten years from commencement)
d) Fiscal laws (for ten years from commencement)
15) Under Article 203B, for how many years were fiscal laws, tax laws, banking, and insurance laws excluded from the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court?
a) 5 years
b) 7 years
c) 10 years ✅
d) 15 years
16) Which of the following is NOT considered a “law” under Article 203B?
a) A tribal custom recognized as binding
b) Muslim personal law ✅
c) A tax imposed by the government
d) A judicial procedure law
17) Which body has the authority to interpret and apply the definitions provided in Article 203B?
a) The Supreme Court
b) The High Court
c) The Federal Shariat Court ✅
d) The Parliament
18) Which of the following statements is TRUE about the term “law” under Article 203B?
a) It permanently excludes banking and insurance laws
b) It does not include the Constitution ✅
c) It includes all judicial procedures
d) It permanently excludes fiscal laws
19) Under Article 203B, which of the following is NOT a part of the Federal Shariat Court’s jurisdiction for ten years after its establishment?
a) Muslim personal law
b) Fiscal laws
c) Banking and insurance practice and procedure
d) All of the above ✅
20) What does the term “Judge” refer to under Article 203B?
a) Any judge of the Supreme Court
b) Any judge of the High Court
c) A judge of the Federal Shariat Court ✅
d) Any magistrate of a subordinate court
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Article 203B provides key definitions for terms used in Chapter 3A, particularly regarding the Federal Shariat Court.
✔ It clarifies that “Chief Justice” and “Judge” refer specifically to the Federal Shariat Court.
✔ The definition of “law” includes customs and usages but excludes the Constitution.
✔ For ten years after the Federal Shariat Court’s establishment, fiscal, banking, and insurance laws were exempt from its jurisdiction.
✔ Muslim personal law is explicitly excluded from the Federal Shariat Court’s review.
Solved MCQs on Article 203C of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973
For HEC LAW GAT, Civil Judge, Judicial Magistrate, ADPP, CSS & Other Competitive Exams
The Federal Shariat Court
21) The Federal Shariat Court was constituted under which Article of the Constitution of Pakistan?
a) 203A
b) 203B
c) 203C ✅
d) 204
22) The Federal Shariat Court consists of a maximum of how many judges, including the Chief Justice?
a) 5
b) 7
c) 8 ✅
d) 9
23) Who appoints the Chief Justice and Judges of the Federal Shariat Court?
a) Prime Minister
b) Chief Justice of Pakistan
c) President of Pakistan ✅
d) Senate of Pakistan
24) As per Article 203C(3), the Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court must be:
a) A judge of the Supreme Court or qualified to be one ✅
b) A retired judge of the High Court
c) A senior advocate of the Supreme Court
d) A Mufti with 20 years of Islamic law experience
25) According to Article 203C(3A), how many judges of the Federal Shariat Court must be Ulema with at least 15 years of experience in Islamic law, research, or instruction?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three ✅
d) Four
26) The Chief Justice and Judges of the Federal Shariat Court hold office for a period of:
a) 2 years
b) 3 years
c) 5 years ✅
d) 6 years
27) Which constitutional article states that the Chief Justice and Judges of the Federal Shariat Court cannot be removed from office except in the same manner as a Supreme Court Judge?
a) Article 184
b) Article 199
c) Article 203C(4B) ✅
d) Article 209
28) Where is the principal seat of the Federal Shariat Court?
a) Karachi
b) Lahore
c) Peshawar
d) Islamabad ✅
29) Before assuming office, the Chief Justice and Judges of the Federal Shariat Court must take an oath in the form set out in which Schedule of the Constitution?
a) First Schedule
b) Second Schedule
c) Third Schedule ✅
d) Fourth Schedule
30) Who administers the oath to the Chief Justice and Judges of the Federal Shariat Court?
a) Chief Justice of Pakistan
b) President of Pakistan or a person nominated by him ✅
c) Speaker of the National Assembly
d) Chairman Senate
31) If the Chief Justice or a Judge of the Federal Shariat Court is unable to perform duties due to absence, who appoints an acting Chief Justice or Judge?
a) Chief Justice of Pakistan
b) President of Pakistan ✅
c) Senate of Pakistan
d) Prime Minister of Pakistan
32) A Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court who is not a Supreme Court Judge is entitled to the same remuneration, allowances, and privileges as:
a) A High Court Judge
b) A Supreme Court Judge ✅
c) A Federal Minister
d) A District and Sessions Judge
33) A Judge of the Federal Shariat Court who is not a High Court Judge is entitled to the same remuneration, allowances, and privileges as:
a) A High Court Judge ✅
b) A Magistrate
c) A Federal Secretary
d) A Provincial Minister
34) As per Article 203C(9), if a Judge of the Federal Shariat Court is already drawing a pension for another post in Pakistan’s service, what happens to his pension?
a) He forfeits his previous pension
b) He receives both pensions in full
c) The previous pension amount is deducted from the new pension ✅
d) He only gets the new pension
35) According to Article 203C(6), the Federal Shariat Court can sit in places other than Islamabad with approval from:
a) Chief Justice of Pakistan
b) President of Pakistan ✅
c) Prime Minister of Pakistan
d) Senate of Pakistan
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Article 203C establishes the Federal Shariat Court, defining its composition, appointment, powers, and jurisdiction.
✔ The President of Pakistan appoints the Chief Justice and Judges of the Federal Shariat Court.
✔ Three out of eight judges must be Ulema with at least 15 years of experience in Islamic law.
✔ The court is based in Islamabad but can sit elsewhere with the President’s approval.
✔ Judges of the Federal Shariat Court receive the same privileges and remuneration as High Court and Supreme Court judges, depending on their position.
Solved MCQs on Article 203D of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973
For HEC LAW GAT, Civil Judge, Judicial Magistrate, ADPP, CSS & Other Competitive Exams
Powers, Jurisdiction, and Functions of the Federal Shariat Court
36) Under Article 203D, the Federal Shariat Court has the power to examine whether a law or provision of law is repugnant to:
a) The Constitution of Pakistan
b) The Injunctions of Islam as laid down in the Holy Quran and Sunnah ✅
c) The Federal Legislative List
d) The International Human Rights Conventions
37) Who can petition the Federal Shariat Court to examine the repugnancy of a law to the Injunctions of Islam?
a) Any citizen of Pakistan
b) The Federal Government
c) The Provincial Government
d) All of the above ✅
38) According to Article 203D(1A), if a law appears to be repugnant to Islam, the Court must give notice to:
a) The Prime Minister
b) The Chief Justice of Pakistan
c) The Federal or Provincial Government, depending on the law’s jurisdiction ✅
d) The Speaker of the National Assembly
39) What does the Federal Shariat Court include in its decision if it finds a law repugnant to Islamic Injunctions?
a) Reasons for holding that opinion
b) The extent to which the law is repugnant
c) The date on which the decision shall take effect
d) All of the above ✅
40) Under Article 203D(2), when does a decision of the Federal Shariat Court take effect?
a) Immediately after the decision
b) After one month
c) After the expiration of the appeal period or after the disposal of an appeal ✅
d) After approval from the Parliament
41) If the Federal Shariat Court holds a law repugnant to Islamic Injunctions, who is responsible for amending the law if it falls under the Federal Legislative List?
a) The Chief Justice of Pakistan
b) The Prime Minister
c) The President of Pakistan ✅
d) The Federal Shariat Court itself
42) If the Federal Shariat Court holds a law repugnant to Islamic Injunctions and it falls under the Provincial domain, who is responsible for amending the law?
a) The Chief Minister of the respective province
b) The Governor of the respective province ✅
c) The President of Pakistan
d) The Speaker of the Provincial Assembly
43) According to Article 203D(3)(b), a law declared repugnant to Islam by the Federal Shariat Court will:
a) Be immediately repealed
b) Continue to exist unless Parliament abolishes it
c) Cease to have effect from the day the decision takes effect ✅
d) Be sent to the Council of Islamic Ideology for review
44) Which of the following laws cannot be examined for repugnancy by the Federal Shariat Court?
a) Fiscal laws
b) Banking and insurance laws
c) Muslim Personal Law
d) All of the above ✅
45) Under Article 203D, who has the authority to appeal against a decision of the Federal Shariat Court?
a) The affected citizen
b) The Federal or Provincial Government
c) Any party with an interest in the case
d) All of the above ✅
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ The Federal Shariat Court examines whether laws are repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam as per the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
✔ Any citizen, as well as the Federal and Provincial Governments, can petition the court to review laws.
✔ If the court finds a law repugnant, it specifies the reasons, extent, and effective date of the decision.
✔ The President is responsible for amending Federal laws, while Provincial Governors handle provincial laws.
✔ Certain laws, such as fiscal laws, banking, and Muslim Personal Law, are beyond the court’s jurisdiction.
✔ Decisions of the Federal Shariat Court take effect after the appeal period expires or an appeal is disposed of.
Solved MCQs on Article 203DD of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973
For HEC LAW GAT, Civil Judge, Judicial Magistrate, ADPP, CSS & Other Competitive Exams
Revisional and Other Jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court
46) Under Article 203DD, the Federal Shariat Court has the power to examine the record of cases decided by:
a) The Supreme Court of Pakistan
b) Any criminal court under Hudood laws ✅
c) Civil courts in Pakistan
d) The Election Commission of Pakistan
47) What is the primary purpose of the Federal Shariat Court’s revisional jurisdiction under Article 203DD?
a) To ensure cases are decided according to fundamental rights
b) To review government policies
c) To satisfy itself as to the correctness, legality, or propriety of a finding, sentence, or order under Hudood laws ✅
d) To revise commercial and trade laws
48) When the Federal Shariat Court calls for the record of a case under Article 203DD, it may:
a) Direct that the execution of a sentence be suspended
b) Order the accused to be released on bail
c) Release the accused on his own bond pending examination of the record
d) All of the above ✅
49) Under Article 203DD(2), which of the following actions can the Federal Shariat Court NOT take?
a) Enhance the sentence of a convicted person
b) Convert a finding of acquittal into one of conviction ✅
c) Order a retrial
d) Examine the regularity of court proceedings
50) What condition must be fulfilled before the Federal Shariat Court enhances a sentence under Article 203DD?
a) The accused must have an opportunity of being heard in his own defense ✅
b) The Chief Justice of Pakistan must approve
c) The case must be referred to the Council of Islamic Ideology
d) The Supreme Court must review the decision first
51) Apart from revisional jurisdiction under Hudood laws, what other jurisdiction does the Federal Shariat Court have under Article 203DD(3)?
a) It can hear constitutional petitions
b) It can exercise jurisdiction as conferred by any law ✅
c) It can amend the Constitution
d) It can issue presidential ordinances
52) Under Article 203DD, which of the following is true regarding the Federal Shariat Court’s power to review criminal cases under Hudood laws?
a) The court can revise any sentence but cannot change an acquittal into a conviction ✅
b) The court can impose any punishment without hearing the accused
c) The court can only review cases that involve terrorism
d) The court has no authority over Hudood laws
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Article 203DD grants the Federal Shariat Court the power to review cases under Hudood laws decided by criminal courts.
✔ The court ensures the correctness, legality, and propriety of findings, sentences, or orders under Hudood laws.
✔ While the court can enhance a sentence, it cannot change an acquittal into a conviction.
✔ The accused must be given an opportunity to be heard before any enhancement of sentence.
✔ The Federal Shariat Court can exercise additional jurisdiction conferred by law.
Solved MCQs on Articles 203F, 203G & 203GG of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973
For HEC LAW GAT, Civil Judge, Judicial Magistrate, ADPP, CSS & Other Competitive Exams
Appeal to Supreme Court (Article 203F)
62) Under Article 203F(1), within how many days can an aggrieved party file an appeal to the Supreme Court against the final decision of the Federal Shariat Court?
a) 30 days
b) 45 days
c) 60 days ✅
d) 90 days
63) How much time does the Federation or a Province have to file an appeal against the Federal Shariat Court’s decision under Article 203F(1)?
a) 30 days
b) 60 days
c) 90 days
d) 6 months ✅
64) Under Article 203F(2A), an appeal to the Supreme Court lies in which of the following cases?
a) If the Federal Shariat Court reverses an acquittal and sentences the accused to death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment exceeding 14 years
b) If the Federal Shariat Court enhances a sentence to death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment exceeding 14 years
c) If the Federal Shariat Court imposes punishment for contempt of court
d) All of the above ✅
65) Under Article 203F(2B), in cases where clauses (2A) do not apply, an appeal to the Supreme Court lies only if:
a) The accused is sentenced to a fine
b) The Supreme Court grants leave to appeal ✅
c) The Chief Justice personally intervenes
d) The case is referred back to the Federal Shariat Court
66) What is the name of the special bench in the Supreme Court that exercises jurisdiction under Article 203F?
a) Shariat Review Bench
b) Islamic Appellate Tribunal
c) Shariat Appellate Bench ✅
d) Federal Review Board
67) According to Article 203F(3), the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court consists of:
a) Three Muslim Judges of the Supreme Court and up to two Ulema appointed by the President ✅
b) Five Supreme Court judges, irrespective of religion
c) Only Ulema well-versed in Shariah
d) A mix of retired judges and scholars
68) Under Article 203F(4), for how long does a Ulema appointed under clause (3)(b) hold office?
a) For life
b) For a fixed term of five years
c) For a period determined by the President ✅
d) Until retirement at age 65
69) Under Article 203F(5), the term “Supreme Court” in clauses (1) and (2) is interpreted as a reference to:
a) Federal Shariat Court
b) Supreme Judicial Council
c) Shariat Appellate Bench ✅
d) Islamic Ideology Council
70) What privileges does an Ulema appointed under Article 203F(6) have while attending sittings of the Shariat Appellate Bench?
a) The same power and jurisdiction as a Supreme Court Judge ✅
b) The ability to issue executive orders
c) The right to amend the Constitution
d) The authority to overrule Supreme Court decisions
71) Who determines the allowances of Ulema appointed to the Shariat Appellate Bench under Article 203F(6)?
a) Chief Justice of Pakistan
b) Parliament
c) President of Pakistan ✅
d) Council of Islamic Ideology
Bar on Jurisdiction of Other Courts (Article 203G)
72) What does Article 203G of the Constitution of Pakistan primarily deal with?
a) Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court over the Federal Shariat Court
b) Bar on the jurisdiction of all courts except as provided in Article 203F ✅
c) Powers of the High Court over Shariat cases
d) The procedure for appealing against Shariat Court decisions
73) Under Article 203G, which courts or tribunals are restricted from exercising jurisdiction over matters within the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court?
a) Supreme Court
b) High Courts
c) All other courts and tribunals
d) All of the above ✅
74) Which Article provides an exception to the bar of jurisdiction mentioned in Article 203G?
a) Article 199
b) Article 203D
c) Article 203F ✅
d) Article 175
Binding Nature of Federal Shariat Court Decisions (Article 203GG)
75) What does Article 203GG state about the decisions of the Federal Shariat Court?
a) They are advisory and not binding
b) They are binding on High Courts and subordinate courts ✅
c) They can be ignored by the High Courts
d) They are subject to review by the Islamic Ideology Council
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Article 203F provides a right of appeal against the decisions of the Federal Shariat Court to the Supreme Court.
✔ The Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court consists of three Muslim judges and up to two Ulema.
✔ Appeals must be filed within 60 days by an aggrieved party and within six months by the Federation or a Province.
✔ Article 203G bars all other courts from interfering in matters within the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court, except under Article 203F.
✔ Under Article 203GG, the decisions of the Federal Shariat Court are binding on High Courts and subordinate courts.
Solved MCQs on Articles 203GG & 203H of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973
For HEC LAW GAT, Civil Judge, Judicial Magistrate, ADPP, CSS & Other Competitive Exams
Binding Nature of Federal Shariat Court Decisions (Article 203GG)
76) Which courts are bound by the decisions of the Federal Shariat Court as per Article 203GG?
a) High Courts
b) District Courts
c) Civil and Criminal Courts
d) All of the above ✅
77) Can a High Court challenge or overrule a decision of the Federal Shariat Court?
a) Yes, under Article 199
b) Yes, with the approval of the Supreme Court
c) No, as Article 203GG makes FSC decisions binding ✅
d) Yes, through constitutional amendment
78) Under Article 203G, which entity has exclusive jurisdiction over matters falling within the domain of the Federal Shariat Court?
a) Supreme Court of Pakistan
b) High Courts
c) Federal Shariat Court ✅
d) Council of Islamic Ideology
79) Which of the following correctly describes the impact of Article 203GG on judicial hierarchy?
a) Federal Shariat Court’s decisions have no effect on High Courts
b) High Courts are bound to follow Federal Shariat Court rulings ✅
c) High Courts can override FSC decisions if they conflict with the Constitution
d) Supreme Court can declare FSC decisions unconstitutional
80) If a party wants to challenge a decision of the Federal Shariat Court, which Article provides the right to appeal?
a) Article 203G
b) Article 203GG
c) Article 203F ✅
d) Article 184
81) What is the key principle established by Articles 203G and 203GG?
a) Federal Shariat Court has limited jurisdiction
b) Federal Shariat Court’s decisions are binding on all courts except the Supreme Court ✅
c) Federal Shariat Court’s rulings are advisory in nature
d) High Courts have the power to modify Federal Shariat Court judgments
Continuation of Proceedings Despite Petitions on Repugnancy to Islam (Article 203H)
82) What does Article 203H primarily deal with?
a) Transfer of cases from the Supreme Court to the Federal Shariat Court
b) Continuation of pending proceedings despite petitions on repugnancy to Islam ✅
c) Review powers of the Supreme Court over the Federal Shariat Court
d) Bar on the jurisdiction of all courts except the Federal Shariat Court
83) Under Article 203H, can proceedings in a court be stayed just because a petition is filed in the Federal Shariat Court regarding repugnancy to Islam?
a) Yes, all such proceedings must be stayed
b) No, they shall continue in accordance with the law for the time being in force ✅
c) Only if the Supreme Court orders a stay
d) Only if the Federal Shariat Court issues a stay order
84) What happens to proceedings under Article 203B that were pending before a High Court before the commencement of this Chapter?
a) They shall be dismissed automatically
b) They shall be transferred to the Supreme Court
c) They shall stand transferred to the Federal Shariat Court ✅
d) They shall be decided by the High Court
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Article 203GG makes Federal Shariat Court decisions binding on all courts, including High Courts and subordinate courts.
✔ Only the Supreme Court, through the Shariat Appellate Bench, has the authority to hear appeals from the Federal Shariat Court.
✔ Article 203H ensures that ongoing legal proceedings are not stalled merely because a petition on repugnancy to Islam is filed in the Federal Shariat Court.
✔ All pending cases related to Islamic injunctions before High Courts at the commencement of this Chapter automatically transfer to the Federal Shariat Court.
Solved MCQs on Articles 203H & 203J of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973
For HEC LAW GAT, Civil Judge, Judicial Magistrate, ADPP, CSS & Other Competitive Exams
Article 203H – Continuation of Proceedings Despite Petitions on Repugnancy to Islam
85) Can the Federal Shariat Court or the Supreme Court issue an injunction or interim order in relation to proceedings pending in any other court or tribunal?
a) Yes, they have full authority to do so
b) No, they do not have such power under Article 203H(3) ✅
c) Only if both courts agree
d) Only with presidential approval
86) Which clause of Article 203H ensures that existing cases are not affected by a petition challenging a law’s Islamic validity?
a) Clause (1) ✅
b) Clause (2)
c) Clause (3)
d) Clause (4)
87) Under Article 203H(2), what is the stage at which transferred cases from the High Court to the Federal Shariat Court shall be dealt with?
a) From the beginning of the case
b) From the stage at which they were transferred ✅
c) After a fresh hearing by the Supreme Court
d) Only if both parties agree
88) Which courts are restricted from granting injunctions or making interim orders on cases pending in other courts under Article 203H(3)?
a) Only the Federal Shariat Court
b) Only the Supreme Court
c) Both the Federal Shariat Court and the Supreme Court ✅
d) Only the High Courts
89) What is the key purpose of Article 203H in relation to ongoing legal proceedings?
a) To allow courts to suspend trials indefinitely
b) To ensure that pending cases are not delayed due to petitions on repugnancy ✅
c) To transfer all cases to the Supreme Court
d) To allow the Council of Islamic Ideology to intervene in trials
Article 203J – Power of Federal Shariat Court to Make Rules
90) What is the main purpose of Article 203J of the Constitution of Pakistan?
a) To define the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court
b) To give the Federal Shariat Court the power to make rules for carrying out its functions ✅
c) To limit the power of the Supreme Court over the Federal Shariat Court
d) To establish the method of appointment of judges in the Federal Shariat Court
91) Under Article 203J(1), how can the Federal Shariat Court make rules?
a) Through an act of Parliament
b) By notification in the official Gazette ✅
c) By approval of the President
d) Through a Supreme Court directive
92) Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned under Article 203J(2) as a matter for which rules can be made?
a) Payment of honoraria to jurisconsults and experts
b) Form of oath for experts and witnesses
c) Appointment of judges to the Federal Shariat Court ✅
d) Decision-making in case of an equally divided Bench
93) According to Article 203J(2)(a), rules may provide for the payment of honoraria to whom?
a) Judges of the Federal Shariat Court
b) Jurisconsults, experts, and witnesses summoned by the Court ✅
c) Lawyers representing the government
d) Government officials appearing in court
94) Under Article 203J(2)(c), what can the rules provide regarding the powers and functions of the Federal Shariat Court?
a) They must always be exercised by a full Bench of all members
b) They can be exercised by Benches consisting of one or more members constituted by the Chairman ✅
c) They can be exercised only by the Chief Justice of Pakistan
d) They must be delegated to the High Courts
95) What does Article 203J(2)(e) deal with?
a) The appointment of judges to the Federal Shariat Court
b) The retirement age of Federal Shariat Court judges
c) The decision of cases in which the members of a Bench are equally divided in their opinion ✅
d) The powers of the President over the Federal Shariat Court
96) Until new rules are made under Article 203J(1), which set of rules shall continue to apply?
a) The 1973 Constitution rules
b) The Federal Shariat Court Rules, 1980
c) The Shariat Benches of Superior Courts Rules, 1979 ✅
d) The Supreme Court Rules, 1982
97) Which authority has the power to modify or replace the rules governing the Federal Shariat Court under Article 203J?
a) The Prime Minister
b) The President of Pakistan
c) The Federal Shariat Court itself ✅
d) The Parliament
98) According to Article 203J, how should the decision of the Federal Shariat Court be expressed?
a) By a unanimous opinion only
b) By the majority opinion of its members or members of the Bench hearing the case ✅
c) By the opinion of the Chief Justice of Pakistan
d) By a decision of the Parliament
99) Which clause of Article 203J deals with rules regarding the form of oath for experts and witnesses?
a) Clause (1)
b) Clause (2)(a)
c) Clause (2)(b) ✅
d) Clause (3)
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Article 203H ensures that ongoing cases are not halted due to petitions on repugnancy to Islam.
✔ Federal Shariat Court and the Supreme Court cannot issue stay orders or injunctions on proceedings in other courts under Article 203H(3).
✔ Article 203J empowers the Federal Shariat Court to make its own procedural rules, including the composition of benches, honoraria for experts, and decision-making processes.
✔ The Federal Shariat Court rules continue to follow the Shariat Benches of Superior Courts Rules, 1979, unless modified.
