Attorney General For Pakistan

Appointment of Attorney General For Pakistan

Attorney General for Pakistan is appointed under Article 100 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 by the President of Pakistan. With just a single condition, that a person qualified to be appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court, to be the Attorney-General for Pakistan.

The Attorney-General shall hold office during the pleasure of the President [and shall not engage in private practice so long as he holds the office of the Attorney-General.

The Attorney-General is assisted by a team of Law Officers comprising Additional Attorneys-General, Deputy Attorneys-General, and Standing Counsels who have been appointed to attend litigation involving the Federal Government and its functionaries. Currently, 145 Law Officers across the country are working under the guidance and supervision of the Attorney-General for Pakistan.

The Attorney-General may, by writing under his hand addressed to the President, resign his office.

Responsibilities of Attorney General:

The Attorney General for Pakistan is a key legal position within the government of Pakistan. Here is a brief description of the role and responsibilities of the Attorney General:

1. Legal Advisor to the Government: The Attorney General serves as the principal legal advisor to the government of Pakistan. They provide legal guidance and counsel to the President, Prime Minister, and other government departments on various legal matters.
2. Representation in Courts: The Attorney General represents the government in legal proceedings before the courts of Pakistan. They appear in both civil and criminal cases on behalf of the state, defending the government’s interests and presenting arguments. He shall have the right of audience in all courts and tribunals in Pakistan.
3. Constitution and Legal Advice: The Attorney General provides advice on constitutional matters and interprets legal provisions for the government. They ensure that the government’s actions and legislation conform to the constitution and uphold the rule of law.
4. Litigation and Legal Opinions: The Attorney General handles litigation on behalf of the government and prepares legal opinions on matters referred to them by government departments. They review draft legislation, treaties, and agreements to ensure their legal soundness.
5. Public Interest Cases: The Attorney General may initiate or defend cases that involve public interest issues. They may intervene in cases that have significant implications for the government or the public at large.
6. Coordination with Prosecution Services: The Attorney General works in coordination with the prosecution services to ensure effective prosecution of criminal cases. They may provide guidance on legal strategies and assist in complex or high-profile cases.
7. International Legal Matters: The Attorney General represents Pakistan in international legal matters, including disputes between states, treaty negotiations, and international arbitration cases.

The specific role and responsibilities of the Attorney General may vary based on the government’s priorities, legal developments, and individual expertise.

Limitations:

• The Attorney-General and other Law Officers are under the administrative control of Law & Justice Division.
• Law Officers are prohibited from taking any case or giving any advice, against the Government.
• Even when a partner at a Law Officer’s firm has appeared or acted against the Government, it should be brought to the notice of the Government.
• Law Officers are strictly not allowed to engage in politics and elections.
• A Law Officer cannot hold any other post in the Federal Government and cannot continue as director of any company without the sanction of the Federal Government.

Who is the current Attorney General of Pakistan?

Mansoor Usman Awan is the current Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP), he holds a LLB degree from the University of Punjab  and  LLM degree from Harvard Law School, USA.