General Clauses Act, 1897

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THE GENERAL CLAUSES ACT, 1897 
 
 
 
 
 
CONTENTS 
 
PRELIMINARY 
1.      Short title. 
2.      [Repealed.] 
GENERAL DEFINITIONS 
 
3.      Definitions. 
 
4.      Application of foregoing definitions to previous enactments. 
 
4A.     Application of certain definitions to all Pakistan laws. 
GENERAL RULES OF CONSTRUCTION 
5.      Coming into operation of enactments. 
5A.     [Omitted.] 
6.      Effect of repeal. 
6A.     Repeal of Act making textual amendment in Act or Regulation. 
7.      Revival of repealed enactments. 
8.      Construction of references to repealed enactments. 
9.      Commencement and termination of time. 
10.      Computation of time. 
11.      Measurement of distances. 
12.      Duty to be taken pro rata in enactments. 
13.      Gender and number. 

 
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13A.   [Omitted.] 
POWERS AND FUNCTIONARIES 
14.      Powers conferred to be exercisable from time to time. 
15.      Power to appoint to include power to appoint ex Officio. 
16.      Power to appoint to include power to suspend or dismiss. 
17.      Substitution of functionaries. 
18.      Successors. 
19.      Official chiefs and subordinates. 
 
PROVISIONS AS TO ORDERS, RULES, ETC., MADE UNDER     ENACTMENTS. 
 
20.     Construction of orders, etc., issued under enactments. 
20A.  Rules and order, etc., to be published. 
21.     Power to make, to include power to add to, amend, vary or rescind, orders, rules or bye    
laws. 
22.     Making of rules or bye laws and issuing of orders between passing and    commencement 
of enactment. 
23.     Provisions applicable to making of rules or bye-laws after previous publication. 
24.     Continuation, of orders, etc., issued under enactments repealed and reenacted.  
24A.  Exercise of power under enactments. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS 
25.     Recovery of fines. 
26.     Provision as to offences punishable under two or more enactments. 
27.      Meaning of service by post. 
28.     Citation of enactments. 
29.      Saving for previous enactments, rules and bye-laws. 
30.     Application of Act to Ordinances. 
31.     Application of Act to Orders made by the President. 
  
 THE SCHEDULE.  [Repealed.] 
 
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THE GENERAL CLAUSES ACT, 1897 
 
1Act No. X OF 1897 
[11th March, 1897] 
An Act to consolidate and extend the General Clauses Acts, 1868 and 1887. 
WHEREAS it is expedient to consolidate and extend the General Clauses Acts, 1868 (I of 
1868) and 1887 (I of 1887); it is hereby enacted as follows: — 
PRELIMINARY 
1. Short title.—(1) This Act may be called the General Clauses Act, 1897; 
 
2
[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 2. [Repeal.].Rep. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1903 (I of 1903), s. 4 and Schedule III. 
 
GENERAL DEFINITIONS   
3.  Definitions. In this A ct, and in all 3[Central Acts] and Regulations made the 
commencement of this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context, 
(1) “Abet.” “abet”, with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, shall h ave 
the same meaning as in the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860). 
4
[*    *             *         *         *         *         *] 
 (2) “Act.” “act”, used with reference to an offence or a civil wrong, shall include a series of 
acts, and words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions: 
 (3) “Affidavit.” “affidavit” shall include affirmation and declaration in the case of persons 
by law allowed to affirm or declare instead of swearing: 
5[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 
1For Statement of Objects and Reasons, see Gazette of India, 1897, Pt. V, p. 38; for Report of the Select Committee, see ibid., p. 77 ; and for 
Proceedings in Council, see ibid. Pt. VI, pp. 35, 40, 56 and 76. 
This Act has been declared to be in force in Baluchistan by the British Baluchistan Laws Regulation, 1913 (2 of 1913). 
It has been applied to Phulera in the Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal to the extent the Act is applicable in the N.W.F.P., subject to certain modi- 
fications; and also extended to the Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal (N.W.F.P.) other than Phulera with effect from such date and subject to such 
modifications as may be notified, see N.W.F.P. (Upper Tanawal) (Excluded Area) Laws Regulation, 1950.                 . 
It has also been extended to the Leased Areas of Baluchistan, see the Leased Areas (Laws) Order, 1950 (G.G.O.3 of 1950); and applied in the 
Federated Areas of Baluchistan, see Gazette of India, 1937, Pt. I, p. 1499. 
The Act has been extended to the whole of Pakistan and shall be deemed to have been so extended on the 14th day of October, 1955, see the 
Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960),  s. 3  and Second Sch. 
The provisions of this Act have been extended to the Special Areas of West Pakistan by West Pakistan Regulation No.1 of 1961 (with effect .from the 
13th September, 1961). 
2The word “and” in sub-section (1) and the whole of sub-section (2) rep. by the Repealing & and Amending Act. 1914 (10 of 1914), s. 3 and Sch. II.  
3Subs. by .A. 0. 1937. for “Acts of the G.G. in C.”. 
4C1. (1a) as amended by A. 0., 1949, Sch., has been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration), Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981) s. 3 and 
2nd Sch. 
5Cls. (3a) and (3b) as amended by Act 10 of 1914, s. 2 and Sch. I, Act 24 of 1917, s. 2 and Sch. I, Act 18 of 1928, s. 2 and Sch. I, A.O., 1937, and 
Ord. 21 of 1960, s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (w.e.f. 14th October, 1955), has been omitted by Ord. 27 of 1981, s. 3 and 2nd Sch.
 
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 (3c) “Baluchistan.” “Baluchistan” shall mean  the  territories  comprised  in the  Chief 
Commissioner's Province of Baluchistan immediately before the fourteenth day of October, 1955 
1[,] 1[and after the first day of July, 1970, the Province of Baluchistan, comprising the territories 
mentioned in the Schedule to the Province of West Pakistan (Dissolution) Order, 1970:] 
2
[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 (4) “Barrister.” “barrister” shall mean a barrister of England or Ireland, or a member of the 
Faculty of Advocates in Scotland: 
3[* * * * * * *] 
 
4[* * * * * * *] 
 
5[* * * * * * *] 
 
6[* * * * * * *] 
 
7[* * * * * * *] 
8[(7) “British  India.” “British  India”  shall  mean,  as  respects  the  period  before  the 
9commencement of Part III of the Government of India Act, 1935 (26 Geo.5.2.) , all territories and 
places within His Majesty's dominions which were for the time being governed by His Majesty 
through the Governor General of India or through any Governor or officer subordinate to the 
Governor General of India, and as respects any period after that date 10[and before the establishment 
of the Federation of Pakistan] means all t erritories for the time being comprised within the 
Governors' Provinces and the Chief Commissioners' Provinces, except that a reference to British 
India in an Indian law passed or made before the 9commencement of Part III of the Government of 
India Act, 1935 (26 Geo.5.2.), shall not include a reference to Berar:] 
 
 (8) “British possession.” ”British possession” shall mean any part of Her Majesty's 
dominions, exclusive of the United Kingdom, and, where parts of those domin ions are under both 
a central and a local legislature, all parts under the Central Legislature shall, for the purposes of this 
definition, be deemed to be one British possession: 
 
11
[* * * * * * *] 
 
1Subs.and added by F. A. 0., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch. 
2El. (3d) omitted by Ord. 27 of 1981, s. 3 and Sch. II. 
3C1. (5) as amended by Act 10 of1914, s. 2 and Sch. I and Act 24 of 1917, s. 2 and S ch. I, has been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and 
Declaration) Ordinance, 1981, (27 of 1981) s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
4C1. (5a) relating to “Berar”, which was ins. by A.O., 1937, rep. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of 1951), s. 3 and 2nd 
Sch. 
5Cl. (5b) relating to “Bihar and Orissa Act”, which was first ins. as c1. (5a) by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1914 (10 of 1914), s. 2 and Sch. I 
and then re-numbered as c1. (5b) by A. 0., 1937, rep. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951, (26 of 1951), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
6CI. (5c) which was ins. by A. 0., 1937, rep. by Act. 26 of 1951, s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
7CI. (6) as amended by various enactments has been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declarations) Ordinance, 1981, (27 of 1981), s. 3 
and 2nd Sch. 
8Subs. by A.O., 1937, for the original clause (7). 
9I.e., the 1st April, 1937. 
10Ins. by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G. G. O. 20 of 1947). 
11Cl. (8a) relating to “Burma Act” which was ins. by the Amending Act, 1903 (1 of 1903), s. 3 and Sch. II, rep. by the Federal Laws (Revision 
and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of1951), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
 
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 1[(8aa) “Central Act.” “Central Act” shall mean an Act of the Central lagislature, and shall 
include, except in s ection 5, an A ct made by the Governor General under section 67 B of  the 
Government of India Act, 2[ *    *     *:] 
 3[(8ab) “Federal Government.” “ 4[Federal Government]” shall— 
(a)    in relation to anything done before the 5commencement of Part III of the 
Government of  India Act, 1935 (26 Geo.5.2.) , mean the Governor General in 
Council or the authority competent at the relevant date to exercise the 
functions corresponding to  those subsequently exercised by the Governor 
General; 
 
(b)     in relation to anything done after the 5commencement of Part III of the said 
Act, but b efore the establishment of the Federation of Pakistan, mean, as 
respects matters with respect to which the Governor General was by or under 
the provisions of the said Act then in force required to act in his 
discretion, the Governor General and as respects other matters, the Governor 
General in Council; 6[*]  
 
(c)     in relation to anything done 7[*      *     *] after the establishment of the 
Federation of Pakistan 8[but before the twenty-third day of March, 1956], 
mean the Governor General; and shall include 
 
(i)       in  relation to functions entrusted under sub-section (1) of section 124 
of the said Act to the  Government of a Province, the  Provincial 
Government acting within the scope of the authority given to it under 
that sub-section; and 
 
(ii)  in relation to the administration 9[before the fourteenth day of October, 
1955,] of a Chief Commissioner's Province, the Chief Commissioner 
acting within the scope of the authority given to him under sub section 
(3) of section 94 of the said Act 10[;] 11 * 
 
 
 
1Ins. by A. 0., 1937. 
2The words and figures “or section 44 of the Government of India Act, 1935” omitted by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing PakistanLaws) 
Order, 1947 (G. G. O. 20 of 1947). 
3Subs. ibid., for clause (8ab), which had been ins. by A. 0., 1937. 
4Subs. by F.A.O. , 1975 for Art. 2 and Table for, “Central Government” 
5i.e., the 1st April, 1937  
6The word “and” omitted by A. 0., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956). 
7The words “or to be done” omitted ibid. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956). 
8Ins. ibid. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956). 
9Ins. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and Second Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955). 
10Sub,. by A. 0.,1961, Art. 2 and Sch., for the full stop (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956). 
11Omitted, subs. and added by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch. 
 
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1[(d) in relation to anything done or to be done, after the twenty-third day of 
March, 1956, mean the President;  and  shall  inc1ude  in   relation  to  
functions  entrusted  to  the Gov ernment of  a Province, the Provincial 
Government acting within the scope of the authority given to it by the 
President 2[ ; and]] 
2[(e) in relation to anything done or to be done, after the fourteenth day of August, 
1973, mean the Prime Minister and the Federal Ministers; and shall include in 
relation to functions entrusted to the Government of  a Province, the 
Provincial Government acting within the s cope of the authority given to or 
power conferred on it by the Federal Government;] 
3[(8ac) “Central Legislature.” “Central Legislature” shall mean the Governor General in 
Council acting in a legislative capacity under the Government of India Act, 1833 
(3&4, will.4), the Government of India Act, 1853(c. 85 16&17 v ict.), The Indian Councils 
Act, 1861 to 1909 (c. 95.&6.), or any of those Acts, or the Government of India Act, 
1915(Geo.5,c.61,26), the Indian Legislature acting under the Government of India Act, 
or the Government of India Act, 1935 (Geo.5,c.2), or the Federal Legislature acting 
under the Government of India Act, 1935, 4[or the Parliament acting under the 
Constitution 5[of 1956 or the Central Legislature acting under the Constitution of 
1962] 6[ or the Federal Legislature acting under the Interim Constitution of 1972, or 
Parliament acting under the Constitution of 1973] as the case may require :] 
7[*  * * * * *] 
 
8[*  * * * * *] 
 
 (9) “Chapter.” “Chapter” shall mean a Chapter of the Act or Regulation in which the word 
occurs: 
 
 
 
 
 
1Subs.-clause (d) ins. by A.O., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956). 
2Subs and Added by F.A.O., 1975, Art.2 and Sch. 
3CI. (8ac) ins. by A. 0., 1937. 
4Certain words ins, by A. 0.,1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956). 
5Ins. by A. 0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch. 
6Ins. by F. A. 0., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch. 
7Cl. (8b) relating to “Central Provinces Act” which was ins. by the Second Repealing and Amending Act, 1914 (17 of 1914), s. 2 and Sch. I, rep. by 
the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of 1951), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
8CI. (8c) relating to “Central Provinces and Berar Act”, which was ins. by A. 0.,1937, rep. by Act 26 of 1951, s. 3, and II Sch. 
 
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 1[(9a) “Chief Revenue  Authority .” “Chief Revenue Authority ” shall mean the Board  of 
Revenue of a Province:] 
 2[(10) “District O f f i c e r ( Revenue).”  shall m e a n s t h e c h i e f o f f i c e r in  c h a r g e of  
r e v e n u e administration of a District:] 
 
 3[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 (12) “Commencement.” “commencement”, used with reference to an Act or Regulation, 
shall 4mean the day on which the Act or Regulation comes into force: 
5[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 6[(13a) “Constitution.” “Constitution” means the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of 
Pakistan brought into force on the 3[fourteenth day of August, 1973] :] 
  
8[(14) “Consular  Officer.” “Consular officer” shall  include  consul-general,  consul,  vice- 
consul,  consular agent  pro-consul and  any person  for  the  time  being  authorized to perform 
the duties of consul-general, consul, vice-consul or consular agent:] 
  
9[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 (15) “District Judge.” “District Judge” shall mean the Judge of a principal Civil Court of 
original jurisdiction, but shall not include a High Court in the exercise of its ordinary or 
extraordinary original civil jurisdiction: 
 (16) “Document.” “document” shall include any matter written, expressed or described 
upon any substance by means of letters, figures or marks, or by more than one of those means 
which is intended to be used, or which may be used, for the purpose of recording that matter: 
 10[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 
 
 
1Subs. by A. 0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for  (9a), which was first ins. by A. 0., 1937 and subsequently amended by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing 
Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G.G.O. 20 of 1947), Act 26 of 1951, s.3 and 2nd Sch., the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance,1960 (21 of 1960), 
s. 3 and 2nd Sch., A. 0.,1961, Art. 2 and sch; and the Repealing and Amending Ordinance, 1961 (1 of 1961), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
2Subs. by The General Clauses (Amdt.) Ordinance, 2001(Ord . No. XXXVI of 2001), s. 2.  Except in Islamabad Capital territory where it sh all come 
into force on such date as the Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, Specify. Ord. 36 of 2001, s. 2 (w.e.f. 14-08-2001). 
3Clause (11) relating to “colony”, which was amended by various enactments have been omitted by Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) 
Ordinance, 1981, (27 of 1981) s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
4See section 5 on page 458, infra. 
5Omitted by The General Clauses (Amdt.) Ordinance, 2001(Ord. No. XXXVI of 2001), s.2 (w.e.f 14-08-01). 
6Cl. (13a) ins. by A.0., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956). 
7Subs. by F.A.0, 1975, Art. 2 and Sch., for “eighth day of June, 1962” which was previously subs. by A.0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.,for “twenty third 
day of March, 1956”, to read as above. 
8Cf. the Consular Salaries and Fees Act, 1891 (54 & 55 Vict., c. 36), s.3. 
9Cls. (l4a) (14b) (l4c), (14d), (14e), (14f) and (14g), which were first ins. by A.0., 1937, and then amended by the Pakistan (Adaptation of 
Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G. G. O. 20 of 1947), Sch., omitted by A.0., 1961 Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956). 
10Clauses (16a), (16b) and (16c) which were ins. by Act 10 of 1914, G.G.O. 20 of 1947 and A.0., 1961 respectively, have been omitted by the 
Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 981), s.3. and 2nd Sch. 
 
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(17) “Enactment.” “enactment” shall include a Regulation (as hereinafter defined) and any 
Regulation of the Bengal, 1[*] or Bombay Code, and shall also include any provision contained in 
any Act or in any such Regulation as aforesaid: 
 (18) “Father.” “father “, in the case of anyone whose- personal law permits adoption, shall 
include an adoptive father:   
2[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 
3[(19)  “Financial year.” “financial year” means— 
(a)    as respects the period before the first day of April, 1959, the year 
commencing on the first day of April and ending on the thirty first day 
of March; 
(b)     as respects the period from the first day of April, 1959, to the thirtieth 
day of  June, 1959, both days inclusive, that period ; and 
(c)       thereafter, the year commencing on the first day of July and ending on 
the thirtieth day of June :] 
 4(20) “Good faith.” a thing shall be deemed to be done in “good faith” where it is in fact 
done honestly, whether it is done negligently or not: 
 5[(21) “Government.” “Government” or “the Government” shall include both the 
6[Federal Government] and any Provincial Government:] 
 7[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 (25)  “Immoveable property.” “immoveable property” shall include land, benefits to arise 
out of l and, and things attached to the earth, or permanently fastened to anything attached to  the 
earth: 
 (26) “Imprisonment.” “imprisonment” shall mean imprisonment of either description as 
defined in the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860): 
 8[(27)  “India.” “India” shall mean— 
(a)      as respects any period before the establishment of the Federation of 
Pakistan, British India tog ether with all t erritories of any Indian ruler then 
under the su zerainty of  His Majesty, all territories under the suzerainty of 
such an Indian ruler, and the tribal areas; and 
(b)       as respects any period after the establishment of the Federation of Pakistan 
all t erritories for the time being included in the Dominion of India 9[or the 
Union of India] :] 
 
 
 
1The word “Madras” omitted by  G.G.O. 20 of 1947, Sch. 
2Clauses (18a) and (18b) relating to “Federal Government,” and “Federal Railway Authority”  respectively omitted ibid. 
3Subs. by the General Clauses (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1959 (14 of 1959), [section 2, for the original clause 19. 
4Cf. the Pakistan Penal Code (Act 45 of 1860), s. 52, the Bills of Exchange Act. 1882 (45 & 46 Vict., c. 61), s. 90, and the Sale of Goods Act,1893 (56 
& 57 Viet., c. 71, s. 62). For discussion in Council regarding this clause, see Gazette of India, 1897, Part VI, pp. 56 to 62 and 76 to 79.  
5Subs. by A.O., 1937, for the original definition. 
6Subs. by F.A.0.,1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”. 
7Cl. (21a) to (24) previously amended by various enactments have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 
of 1981) s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
8Subs. by G.G.O. 20 of 1947, Sch., for clause (27) which had been subs. for the original clause by A. 0., 1937. 
9Ins. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and Second Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955). 
 
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 1[* * * * * * *] 
 2[* * * * * * *] 
 (28) “Local authority.” “local authority” shall mean a municipal committee, district board, 
body of port commissioners or other authority legally entitled to, or entrusted by the Government 
with, the control or management of a municipal or local fund: 
 3[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 (31) “Magistrate.” “Magistrate” shall  include every person  exercising all  or  any of  the 
powers of a Magistrate under the Code of Criminal Procedure for the time being in force: 
(32) “Master” (of a ship). “master”, used with reference to a ship, shall mean any person 
(except a pilot or harbour-master) having for the time being control or charge of the ship:  
(33) “Month.” “month” shall mean a month reckoned according to the British calendar:  
 (34) “Moveable property.”  “moveable property” shall mean property of every description, 
except immoveable property: 
4[(34a1) “North-West Frontier.” “North-West Frontier” shall mean the territories comprised 
in the North-West Frontier Province immediately before the fourteenth day of October, 1955 5[ , ]] 
5[and on or after the  first-day of July, 1970, the  North West Frontier Province comprising the  
territories mentioned in the Schedule to the Province of West-Pakistan (Dissolution) Order, 1970:] 
 6[(34a) “North-West Frontier Province Act.” “North-West Frontier Province Act” shall 
mean an Act  made  by  the  local  Legislature or  the  Governor of  the  North-West Frontier 
Province under the Government of India Act, or by the Provincial Legislature or the Governor of 
the North-West Frontier Province under the Government of India Act, (26 Geo.5, c.2.), 1935:] 
7[* * * * * * *] 
 (36) “Oath.” “oath” shall include affirmation and declaration in the case of persons by law 
allowed to affirm or declare instead of swearing: 
 
 (37) “Offence.” “offence” shall mean any act or omission made punishable by any  law for  
the time being in force: 
 
 
1CI. (27a) relating to “Indian Law”, which was ins. by A. 0., 1937, omitted by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 
(G.G.O. 20 of 1947). 
2Clauses (27b) and (27c) previously amended by various enactments have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) 
Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
3CI. (29) defining “L. G.”, rep. by A.O., 1937 and cl. (30) defining “Madras Act” rep. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 
of 1951), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
4CI, (34a1). ins. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955). 
5Subs. and added by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch. 
6Ins. by A.0., 1937. 
7Clause (35) defining “North-Western Provinces and Oudh Act” rep. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of 1951), s. 3 and 
2nd Sch. 
 
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1[(37a) “Official Gazette.” “official Gazette” or  “Gazette”  shall  mean  the  Gazette  of 
2[Pakistan], or, as the case may be, the official gazette of a Province:] 
  
3[(37b) “Pakistan Law.” “Pakistan law” shall mean any Act, Ordinance, Regulation, 
rule, order, bye-law or any other instrument which has or had the force of law in Pakistan or any 
part thereof; but do es not in clude an A ct of Parliament of the  United Kingdom or any Ord er-in-
Council, rule or other instrument made thereunder;] 
  
4[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 (38) “Part.” “Part” shall mean a Part of the Act or Regulation in which the word occurs: 
 (39) “Person.” “person” shall include any company or association or body of individuals, 
whether incorporated or not: 
 5[(40) “Political Agent.” “Political Agent” shall,— 
 
(a)      as respects the period before the fourteenth day of October, 1955, 
mean the principal officer by what-ever name called representing the 
6[Federal Go vernment] in an Acceding State or group of Acceding 
States or in any territory or place in the Tribal Areas 7[and as respects 
the period after the twenty first day of April, 1972, mean the principal 
officer by wh atever n ame called representing the   Federal   
Government   in   the Federally Administered Tribal Areas]; and 
(b)      as respects the period after the thirteenth-day of October, 1955, 8[and 
before the twenty- first day of April, 1972,] mean the principal officer 
by whatever name called (i) representing the 9[Federal Government] in 
an Acceding State or (ii) representing the Provincial Government in 
the  10[Tribal Areas] 8 [and as respects the period after the twenty-
first day of April, 1972, mean the principal officer by whatever name 
called r epresenting the Federal Government in the Federally 
Administered Tribal Areas and the Provincial Government in the 
Provincially Administered tribal Areas] :] 
 
1Ins. by A. O., 1937. 
2Subs. by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G.G.O.  20 of 1947), Sch.,  for “India”. 
3Clause (37b) which was originally ins. by G.G.O. 20 of 1947 and subsequently Subs. by A. 0.,1961, Art. 2 and Sch. have been subs. by the 
Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
4Cl. (37b) relating to “Orrisa Act” omitted by the General Clauses (Arndt.) Act, 1951 (27 of 1951), s. 2 (with effect from the 14th August, 1947). 
5Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), for clause (40), 
which was ins. by A.O., 1949, Sch. [The original clause (40) as amended by A. 0., 1937, had been omitted by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing 
Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G.G.O. 20 of 1947), Sch.] 
6Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”. 
7Subs. ibid., Art. 2 and Sch.,  for  “or 1eased areas”. 
8Ins. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch. 
9Subs. ibid, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”. 
10Subs. by A. 0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for “Special Areas”. 
 
Page 11 of 23 
 
  1[* * * * * * *] 
  
2[* * * * * * *] 
 
3[(43ai) “Provincial Act.” “Provincial Act” shall mean an Act made by the Governor in  
Council, or Chief Commissioner in Council, Lieutenant-Governor in Council, or Chief 
Commissioner in Council of a Province under any of the Indian Councils Acts or the Government 
of India Act, 1915 or an Act made by the local Legislature or the Governor of a Province under the 
Government of India Act, or an Act made by the Provincial Legislature or Governor of a Province 
under the Government of India Act, 1935 (26 Geo. 5,c.2) , or an A ct made by the Provincial 
Legislature established or continued under the Constitution 4[of 1956 or an A ct made by the 
Provincial Legislature established under the Constitution of  1962] 7[or an Act passed by a 
Provincial Assembly established under the Interim Constitution of 1972, or the Constitution of 1973] :] 
 
 *5[(43a) “Provincial Government”. “Provincial Government”— 
 
6[(a) as respects anything done after the establishment of the Federation of Pakistan 
but before the fourteenth day of October, 1955, shall mean in a Governor's 
Province, the Governor, and in a Chief Commissioner's Province, the 8[Federal 
Government] ; 
 
(aa) as respects anything done or to be done after the thirteenth day of October, 
1955, shall mean the Governor, and where the administration of any area 
9[vested in the Governor G eneral or vests in the President],the 10[Federal 
Government];] 
 
11[(aaa) as respects any thing done or to be done after the fourteenth day of August, 
1973, shall mean the Chief Ministers and the Provincial Ministers and shall 
include, in relation to fun ctions entrusted to the  Federal Government, the 
Federal Government acting within tile s cope of authority given to it by the 
Provincial Government] ; 
 
12[(aaaa) as respects anything done or to be done after the thirtieth day of June, 1970, 
in relation to  the Islamabad Capital Territory under any law coming into 
force after that day, s hall mean the Federal Government;] 
_________________________________________________________________________________ 
1CI. (41) defining “Presidency town” omitted by  G.G.O. 20 of 1947 Sch. 
2Clauses (42) and (43) which were amended by A. 0., 1937, Ord. 21 of 1960, A. 0., 1961, have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and 
Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), S. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
3Ins. by A. 0., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March,1956). 
4Ins. by A. 0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch. 
5Subs. by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G.G.0. 20 of 1947), Sch., for the. clause (43a), which was ins. by A. 
0., 1937. 
6Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s.3 and 2nd Sch., for sub-clause (a) (with effect from the 14th October. 1955) 
*The Chief Administrator to be Provincial Government in respect Islamabad Capital Territory, Please see S.R.O 1316 (I)/80, dated 31-12-1980, read with 
P.O. 18 of 1980. 
7Ins.by F.A.O,  1975, Art.2 and Sch. 
8Subs.ibid, Art.2 and Table, for “Central Government”.  
9Subs. by A.O., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch., for “vests in the Governor General” (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956). 
10Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government “. 
11Ins. ibid., Art. 2 and Sch. 
12Ins. by the General Clauses (Amdt.) Ord., 1979 (32 of 1979), s. 2. 
 
Page 12 of 23 
 
(b) as respects anything done before the establishment of the Federation of 
Pakistan, but after the 1[commencement of Part III of the Government of 
India Act, 1935 (26 Geo. 5,c.2) , shall mean in a  Governor's Province, the  
Governor  acting  or  not  acting in  his  discretion, and exercising or not 
exercising his individual judgment, according to the provision in that behalf 
made by and under the said Act, and in a Chief Commissioner's Province, 
the 4[Federal Government] ; and 
(c) as respects anything done before the commencement of Part III of the said 
Act, shall mean the authority or person authorized at the relevant date to 
administer executive government in the Province in question:] 
(44) “Public nuisance.” “public nuisance” shall mean a public nuisance as defined in the 
Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860). 
 2[* * * * * * *] 
(45) “Registered.” “registered”, used with reference to a document, shall mean registered in 
3[a Province] under the law for the time being in force for the registration of documents: 
(46) “Regulation.” “Regulation” shall   mean   a   Regulation   made  5[by   the   6[Federal 
Government] under the Government of India Act, 1870, 7[or the Government of India Act, 1915,] 
8[or the Government of India Act,] 5[or under section 95 or section 96 of the Government of India 
Act, 1935] 9[or by the Governor under Article 103 or Article 104 of the Constitution. of 1956, or by 
the President or by the Governor under Article 223 of the Constitution of 1962] 10 [,]10[or by the 
President or by the Governor under Article 247 of the Constitution of 1973:] 
(47) “Rule.” “rule” shall mean a rule made in exercise of a pow er”] conferred by any 
enactment, and shall include a regulation made as a rule under any enactment: 
(48) “Schedule.” “schedule” shall mean a schedule to the Act or Regulation in which the 
word occurs: 
 
 
 
 
1I.e., the 1st April, 1937. 
2C1s. (44al) and (44a) which were amended by various enactments have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 
1981, (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
3Subs. by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G.G.O. 20 of 1947), Sch., for “British India”. 
4Subs.by F.A.O,1975, Art 2 and Table for “Central Government” 
5Ins. by A.0., 1937. 
6Subs. by F.A.O., 1975 Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”. 
7Added by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1917 (24 of 1917), s. 2 and Sch. I. 
8Ins., by Act 18 of 1928, s. 2 and Sch. I. 
9Ins. by A. 0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch. 
10Subs. and added by F.A.O., 1975 Art. 2 and Sch. 
 
Page 13 of 23 
 
1[(49) “Scheduled Dist rict.” “Scheduled Distri ct” shall mean a “Scheduled Distri ct” as 
defined in the Scheduled Districts Act, 1874 (XV of 1874): 
(50) “Section.” “section” shall mean a section of the Act or Regulation in which the word 
occurs: 
(51) “Ship.” “ship” sh all i nclude every description of v essel sed in navigation not 
exclusively propelled by oars: 
(52) “Sign.” “sign”, with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, shall, with 
reference to  a person who is unable to write his name, include “mark”, with its grammatical 
variations and cognate expressions: 
2[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
(53) “Son.” “son”, in  the case of any one whose personal law permits adoption, shall 
include an adopted son: 
3[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
(54) “Sub-section.” “sub-section” shall mean a sub-section of the section in which the word 
occurs: 
4[*       *         *         *         *         *         *] 
(55) “Swear.” “swear”, with its grammatical v ariations and cognate expressions, shall 
include affirming and declaring in the case of persons by law allowed to affirm or declare instead of 
swearing: 
5[(55a) “Tribal Areas.” “Tribal Areas” shall 
 
(i) as respects the period after the first day of July, 1970 mean the areas in 
Pakistan which i mmediately before that day were the Tribal Area and 
include— 
  (a)      the Tribal Areas of Baluchistan and the North-West Frontier Province; 
   and 
  (b)     the former States of Amb, Chitral, Dir and Swat; 
 
 
1This clause was first amended by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 
1955) and then revived, retrospectively by the Repealing and Amending Ordinance, 1961 (l of 1961), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
2Cls. (52al) and (52a) which were ins. by A. 0., 1937 and Ord. 21 of 1960 and amended by F.A.O., 1975, have been omitted by the Federal Laws 
(Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
3Cl. (53a), relating to “Special Areas” which was ins., by Ord. 21 of 1960, s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), has been omitted 
by A. 0.,1964, Art. 2 and Sch. 
4Clause (54a), which was ins. by A. 0.,1937 and subs. by A. 0., 1961, have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 
1981 (27 of 1981). s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
5Clause (55a) defining “United Provinces Act” which was originally ins. by the Amending Act, 1903 (I of 1903), s. 3, Sch. II, repealed by the Federal 
Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of 1951), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., and again ins by A.O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., have been subs. by F.A.O., 
1975, Art. 2 and Sch. 
 
Page 14 of 23 
 
(ii) as respects the period on or after the tenth day of January 1964, and before the 
first day of July, 1970 mean the areas in the Province of West Pakistan which, 
on the thirteenth day of October, 1955, were 
 (a) the Tribal Areas of Baluchistan the Punjab and the North-West 
 Frontier; and 
 (b)       the States of Amb, Chitral, Dir and Swat; 
(iii)     as respects the period on or after the eight day of June, 1962, and before the 
  tenth day of January, 1964, mean the areas in the Province of West Pakistan 
  which, on the thirteenth day of October, 1955, were— 
(a)   the Tribal Areas of Baluchistan, the Punjab and the North-West 
Frontier ; and 
 (b)       the States of Amb, Chitral, Dir and Swat and the area in the Province 
   of East Pakistan known as Chittagong Hill Tract; 
 
(iv)      as respects the period on or after the twenty-third day of March, 1956, and 
  before the eight day of June, 1962, mean the areas of the Province of West 
  Pakistan which immediately before the commencement of the Establishment 
  of West Pakistan Act, 1955, were— 
 
(a)   the Tribal Areas of Baluchistan, the Punjab and the North-West 
Frontier; and 
 (b)      the States of Amb, Chitral, Dir and Swat; and 
 
(v)   as respects the period before the twenty-third day of March, 1956, mean 
the areas in Pakistan which immediately before that day were the Tribal Areas 
and include 
 
(a)   the Tribal Areas of Baluchistan, the Punjab and the North-West 
Frontier Province; and 
 (b)      the States of Amb, Chitral, Dir and Swat.] 
1(56) “Vessel”. “vessel” shall include any ship or boat or any other description of vessel used 
in navigation. 
2[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
3(57) “Will”. “will” shall include a codicil and every writing making a voluntary 
posthumous disposition of property: 
 
1Cf. s. 742 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 (57 & 58 Vict., c. 60). This definition supplements the definition of ship in clause (51), supra. See also 
definition of vessel in s. 48 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act 45 of 1860), and in s. 3 (4) of the Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (8 of 1873)  and ins. 2 (g) 
of the Customs Act, 1969 (4 of 1969). 
2CIs. (56a) and (56aa) which were ins. by G.G.O. 20 of 1947 and Ord. 21 of 1960 respectively, have been omitted by Ord. 27 of 1981, s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
3Cf. the definition of “will “ in section 2 of the Succession Act, 1925 (39 of 1925). 
 
 
Page 15 of 23 
 
1(58) “Writing.” expressions referring to “writing” shall be construed as including 
references to  printing, lithography, photography and other modes of representing or reproducing 
words in a visible form: and 
(59) “Year.” “year” shall mean a year reckoned according to the British calendar. 
4. Application of foregoing definitions to previous enactments.—(1)The definitions in 
section 3 of the following wor ds and expressions, that is to say, “affidavit”, “barrister”, 2[*   *] 
“District Judge”, “father”, 2[*    *     *] 3 [*    *    *] 2 [*    *]  “immoveable property”, 
“imprisonment”, 2[*  *] “Magistrate”,  “month”,  “moveable  property”,  “oath”,  “person”,  
“section”,  ,”son”,  “swear”, “will” and “year” apply also, unless there is anything repugnant in the 
subject or context, to all 4[Central Acts] made after the third day of January, 1868, and to all 
Regulations made on or after the fourteenth day of January, 1887. 
(2) The definitions in the said section of the following words .and expressions, that is to say,  
“abet”,  “Chapter”,  “commencement”, “financial  year”,  “local  authority”,  “master”, “offence”, 
“part”, “public nuisance”, “registered”, “schedule”, “ship”, “sign”, “sub -section” and “writing” 
apply also, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context, to all 5[Central Acts] and 
Regulations made on or after the fourteenth day of January, 1887. 
6[4A. Application of certain definitions to all Pakistan Laws. — 7[(1) The definitions in 
section 3 of the expressions “British India”, “ Central Act”, “8[Federal Government”, Central 
Legislature”, “Chief Revenue Authority”, “Gazette”, “High Court”, “India”, “Official Gazette”, 
“Pakistan law”, and “Provincial Government” apply also, unless there is anything repugnant in the 
subject or context, to all Pakistan laws.]. 
9[*        *         *         *         *         *         *] 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1Cf. s. 20 of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Vict., c. 63). 
2The words “British India”, “G. of I.”, “High Court” and “L. G.” rep. by A.O.,1937. 
3The words “Her Majesty” or  the Queen' rep. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1919 (18 pf 1919), s. 3 and Sch. II. 
4Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “Acts of the G.G in C.”. 
5 Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “Acts of the G. G. in C.”. 
6Ins. ibid. 
7Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for sub-section (1), which was pre-viously 
amended by various enactments. 
8Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch., for  “Central Government”. 
9Sub-sections (2) and (3) which were amended by various enactments have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 
1981 (27 of 1981) s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
 
Page 16 of 23 
 
GENERAL RULES OF CONSTRUCTION 
 5.   Co ming into operation of enactments. 1[(1) Where any Central Act is not 
expressed to come into operation on any particular day, then it shall come into operation on the day 
on which it receives the assent,— 
  (a)  in the case of a Central Act made before the twenty-third day of March, 1956, 
   of the Governor-General, and 
  (b)  in the case of a Central Act made after that date, of the President.] 
 
  2[*       *         *         *         *         *         *] 
(3) Unless the contrary is expressed, a 3[Central Act] or Regulation shall be construed as 
coming into operation immediately on the expiration of the day preceding its commencement. 
  45A. [Coming into operation of Governor-General's Act.] Omitted by the Pakistan 
(Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 ( G. G. O. 20 of 1947), Schedule. 
 
 6.    Effect of repeal. Where this  Act,  or  any  2[Central  Act]  or  Regulation made  after 
the commencement of this Act, repeals any enactment hitherto made or hereafter to be made, then, 
unless a different intention appears, the repeal shall not– 
 
(a)  revive anything not in force or existing at the time at which the repeal takes 
effect; or 
 (b)  affect the previous operation of any enactment so repealed or anything duly 
  done or suffered thereunder; or 
(c)  affect any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired, accrued or incurred 
under any enactment so repealed; or 
 (d)  affect any penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred in respect of any
 offence committed against any enactment so repealed; or 
(e)  affect any investigation, legal proceeding or remedy in respect of any 
such right, privilege, obligation, liability, penalty, forfeiture or punishment as 
aforesaid;  
and any such investigation, legal proceeding or remedy may be instituted, continued or enforced, 
and any such penalty, forfeiture or punishment may be imposed as if the repealing Act or 
Regulation had not been passed. 
 
 
1Subs. by A. O., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March,1956), for the original sub-section (1), as amended by A. O., 1937. 
2Sub-section (2), which was first subs. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1917 (24 of 1917), s. 2 and Sch. I, and then amended by A. O., 1937 and 
the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G. G.O. 20 of 1947), Sch., omitted by A. O., 1961. Art. 2 and Sch. (with 
effect from the 23rd March,.1956).                 
3Subs. by A. O., 1937. for “Act of the G.G. in  C.”. 
4S. 5A was ins. by A. O., 1937. 
 
Page 17 of 23 
 
 1[6A. Repeal of A ct making textual amendment in Act or Regulation. Where any             
2[Central Act ] or Regulation made after the commencement of this Act repeals any enactment by 
which the text of any 2[Central Act] or Regulation was amended by the express omission, insertion 
or substitution of any matter, then, unless a different intention appears, the repeal shall not affect 
the continuance of any such amendment made by the enactment so repealed and in operation at the 
time of such repeal.] 
 37.  Revival of repealed enactments. (1) In any 2[ Central Act] or Regulation made after 
the commencement of this Act, it shall be necessary, for the purpose of reviving, either wholly or 
partially, any enactment wholly or partially repealed, expressly to state that purpose. 
 (2) This section applies also to all 4[Central Acts] made after the third day of January, 1868, 
and to all Regulations made on or after the fourteenth day of January, 1887. 
5[8.   Construction of references to repealed enactments. (1)] 6Where this Act, or any 
2[ Central Act] or Regulation made after the commencement of this Act, repeals and re-enacts, with 
or without modification, any provision of a former enactment, then references in any other 
enactment or in any instrument to the provision so  repealed shall, unless a different intention 
appears, be construed as references to the provision so re-enacted. 
7[*     *         *         *         *         *     *] 
 9.  Commencement a nd termination of time.—(1) In any 8[Central Act] or Regulation 
made after the commencement of this Act, it shall be sufficient, for the purpose of excluding the 
first in a series of days or any other period of time, to use the word  “from”, and, for the purpose of 
including the last in a series of days or any other period of time, to use the word “to”. 
 (2) This section applies also to all 9[Central Acts] made after the third day of January, 1868, 
and to all Regulations made on or after the fourteenth day of January, 1887. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1Ins. by the General Clauses (Amdt.) Act, 1936 (19 of 1936), s. 2. 
2Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Act of the G. G. in C.”. 
3Cf, s. 11 of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Vict., c. 63). 
4Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “Acts of the G. G. in C.”. 
5The original s. 8 was renumbered as sub-section (1) of that section by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1919(18 of 1919), s. 2 and Sch. I. 
6Cf, s. 38 (1) of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 &53 Vict., c. 63). 
7Sub-section (2) which was ins. by Act 18 of 1919 s. 2 and Sch. I, have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance,1981 
(27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. 
8Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “Act of the G. G. in C.”. 
9Subs. ibid., for “Acts of the G. G. in C.” 
 
Page 18 of 23 
 
 10.  Computation of time. (1) Where, by any 3[Central Act] or Regulation made after 
the commencement of this Act, any act or proceeding is directed or allowed to be done or taken in 
any Court or office on a certain day or within a prescribed period, then, if the Court or office is 
closed on that day or the last day of the prescribed period, the act or proceeding shall be considered 
as done or taken in due time if it is done or taken on the next day afterwards on which the Court or 
office is open: 
 Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to any act or proceeding to which the             
1[ Limitation Act, 1908] (IX of 1908), applies. 
 (2) This section applies also to all 4[Central Acts] and Regulations made on or alter the 
fourteenth day of January, 1887. 
 211.  Measurement of distances. In the measurement of any distance, for the purposes of 
any 3[Central Act] or Regulation made after the commencement of this  Act, that distance shall, 
unless a different intention appears, be measured in a straight line on a horizontal plane. 
 12.   Duty to be taken prorate in enactments. Where, by any enactment now in force or 
hereafter to be in force, any duty of customs or excise, or in the nature thereof, is leviable on any 
given quantity, by weight, measure or value of any goods or merchandize, then a like duty is 
leviable according to the same rate on any greater or less quantity. 
 13.   Gender and number. In all 4[Central Acts] and Regulations, unless there is anything 
repugnant in the subject or context,— 
(1) words importing the masculine gender shall be taken to include 
females; and 
 (2)  words in the singular shall include the plural, and vice versa. 
513A.   [References to the Sovereign.] Omitted by A. O., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch. ( with effect 
from the 23rd March, 1956). 
POWERS AND FUNCTIONARIES 
 14.  Powers conferred to be exercisable from time to time. (1) Where, by any 6[Central 
Act] or Regulation made after the commencement of this Act, any power is conferred 7*  * * , then, 
8[ unless a different intention appears], that power may be exercised from time to time as occasion 
requires. 
 (2) This section applies also to all 9 [Central Acts] and Regulations made on or after the 
fourteenth day of January, 1887. 
 
 
1Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for “Indian Limitation Act, 1877”. 
2Cf. s. 34 of the Interpretation Act, 1889(52 & 53 Vict., c. 63). 
3Subs.by A.O.,1937 for “Act of the G.G. in C”. 
4Subs.ibid., for “Acts of the G.G. in C”. 
5S.13A was ins. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1919 (18 of 1919), s. 2 and Sch. I, and then amended by A. O., 1937.          
6Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Act of the G.G. in C.”. 
7The words “ on the Govt.” rep. by Act 18 of 1919, s. 2 and Sch. I. 
8Ins. ibid. 
9Subs. by A. O., 1937, for  “Acts of the G. G. in C.”. 
 
Page 19 of 23 
 
 15. Power to appoint to include power to appoint ex officio. Where, by any 3[Central Act] 
or Regulation, a power to appoint any person to fill any office or execute any function is conferred, 
then, unless it is otherwise expressly provided, any such appointment, if it is made after the 
commencement of this Act, may be made either by name or by virtue of office. 
 16.   Power to appoint to include power to suspend or dismiss. Where, by any 3[Central 
Act] or Regulation, a power to make any appointment is conferred, then, unless a different inten 
tion appears, the authority having 1 [for the time being] power to make the appointment shall 
also have  power  to  suspend  or  dismiss  any person  appointed  2[whether  by  itself  or  any 
other authority] in exercise of that power. 
  
17. Substitution of functionaries. (1) In any 3[Central Act] or Regulation made after the 
commencement of this Act, it shall be sufficient, for the purpose of indicating the application of a law 
to every person or nu mber of persons for the time being executing the functions of an offi ce, to 
mention the official title of the officer at present executing the functions, or that of the officer by 
whom the functions are commonly executed.       . 
 (2) This section applies also to all 3[Central Acts] made after the third day of January, 1868, 
and to all Regulations made on or after the fourteenth day of January, 1887. 
 18.  Successors. (1) In any 3[Central Act] or Regulation made after the commencement of 
this Act, it shall be sufficient, for the purpose of indicating the relation of a law to the successors of 
any functionaries or  of corporations having perpetual succession, to express its relation to the 
functionaries or corporations. 
 (2) This section applies also to all 3[Central Acts] made after the third day of January, 1868, 
and to all Regulations made on or after the fourteenth day of January, 1887. 
19.  Official chiefs and subordinates.—(1) In any 3[Central Act] or Regulation made after 
the commencement of this Act, it shall be sufficient, for the purpose of expressing that a law relative 
to  the  chief  or  superior  of  an  office  shall  apply to  the  deputies  or  subordinates lawfully 
performing the  duties of that office in the place of their superior, to prescribe the duty of the 
superior. 
 (2) This section applies also to all 3[Central Acts] made after the third day of January, 1868, 
and to all Regulations made on or after the fourteenth day of January, 1887. 
 
 
1Ins. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1928 (18 of 1928), s. 2. and Sch. I.  
2Subs. ibid., for “ by it”. 
3Subs. by A.O., 1937, for   “Acts  of  the G.G. in C”.
 
Page 20 of 23 
 
 
 PROVISIONS AS TO ORDERS, RULES, ETC., MADE UNDER ENACTMENTS. 
 120.  Construction of orders, etc., issued under enactments. Where, by any 9[Central 
Act] or Regulation, a power to issue any 2[notification], order, s cheme, rul e, form or bye-law is 
conferred, then expressions used in the 2[notification], order, scheme, rule, form or bye-law, if it is 
made after the commencement of this Act, shall, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject 
or context, have the same respective meanings as in the Act or Regulation conferring the power. 
 
 3[20A. Rul es and Order, etc., to be published.  All rules, Orders, regulations and 
circulars having the effect of law made or issued under any enactment shall be published in the 
official Gazette.] 
  421.  Power to make, to include power to add to, amend, vary or rescind, orders, rules 
or bye-laws. Where, by any 9[Central Act] or Regulation, a power to 5[issue notifications], orders, 
rules, or bye-laws is conferred, then that power includes a power, exercisable in the like manner and 
subject to the like sanction and conditions (if any), to add to, amend, vary or rescind any 
6[notifications], orders, rules or bye-laws so 7[issued]. 
822.  Making  of   rules  or   bye-laws  and  issuing  or   o rders  between  passing  
and commencement of enactment. Where, by any 9[Central Act] or Regulation which is not to 
come into force immediately on the passing thereof, a power is conferred to make rules or bye- 
laws, or to issue orders with respect to the application of the Act or Regulation, or with respect to the 
establishment of any Court or office or the appointment of any Judge or officer thereunder, or with 
respect to  the person by whom, or the time when, or the place where, or the manner in whi ch, or 
the fees for which, anything is to be done under the Act or Regulation, then that power may be 
exercised at any time after the passing of the Act or Regulation; but rules, bye -laws or orders so 
made or issued shall not take effect till the commencement of the Act or Regulation. 
23. Provisions applicable to making of rules or bye-laws after previous publication. 
Where, by any 10[ Central Act] or Regulation, a power to make rules or bye-laws is expressed to be 
given subject to the condition of the rules or bye-laws being made after previous publication, then 
the following provisions shall apply, namely:— 
 (1) the authority having power to make the rules or bye-laws shall, before making them, 
publish a draft of the proposed rules or bye-laws for the information of persons likely to be affected 
thereby; 
 
1Cf. s. 31 of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Vict.,.c. 63). 
2Ins. by the Amending Act, 1903 (1 of 1903), s. 3 and Sch. II. 
3Ins. by  The General Clause (Amdt.) Ordinance, 2002 (Ord. XXXIII of 2002), s. 2. 
4Cf. s. 32 (3) of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Vict.,c. 63). 
5Subs. by Act 1 of 1903, s. 3 and Sch. II, for “ make”. 
6Ins. Ibid. 
7Subs. ibid., for “ made”. 
8Cf. s. 37 of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Viet., c. 63). 
9Subs.by A.O., 1937, for “Act of the G.G. in C”. 
10Subs. by A. O., 1937, for  “Act of the G. G. in C.”. 
 
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 (2) the publication shall be made in such manner as that authority deems to be sufficient, 
or, if the condition with respect to previous publication so requires, in such manner as the 1[Federal 
Government] or the 2[ Provincial Government ] prescribes; 
 (3) there shall be published with the draft a notice specifying a date on or after which the 
draft will be taken into consideration; 
 (4) the authority having power to make the rules or bye-laws, and, where the rules or bye-
laws are to be made with the sanction, approval or concurrence of another authority, that authority 
also, shall consider any objection or suggestion which may be received by the authority having 
power to make the rules or bye -laws from any person with respect to the draft before the date so 
specified; 
 (5) the publication in  the 3[official Gazette] of a rule or bye-law purporting to have b een 
made in exercise of a power to make rules or bye-laws after previous publ i-cation shall be 
conclusive proof that the rule or bye-law has been duly made. 
 24.  Continuation, of orders, etc., issued under enactments repealed and re-enacted. 
Where any 5 [Central Act] or Regulation is, after the commencement of this Act, repealed and 
re-enacted with or without modification, then, unless it is otherwise expressly provided, any    
4[ appointment, notifi cation], order, scheme, rule, form or bye-law 4[ made or] issued under the 
repealed Act or Regulation, shall, so far as it is not inconsistent with the provisions re -enacted, 
continue in force, and be deemed to have been 4[made or] issued under the provisions so  re- 
enacted, unless and until it is superseded by any 4[appointment, notification], order, scheme, rule, 
form or bye-law 4[made or] issued under the provisions so re-enacted 6[and when any 7[Central Act) 
or Regulation, which, by a notification under 8[ any law], has been extended to any local area, 
has, by a subsequent notification, been withdrawn from and re-extended to such area or any part 
thereof, the provisions of such Act or Regulation shall be deemed to have been repealed and re-
enacted in such area or part within the meaning of this section ]. 
 9[24A.  Exercise of power under enactments.—(1) Where, by or under any enactment, a 
power to make any order or give any direction is conferred on any authority, office or person such 
power shall be exercised reasonably, fairly, justly and for the advancement of the purposes of the 
enactment. 
 
 
 
1The words “ Central Government”, which were previously subs. by A.O., 1937, for “G. G. in C.” have been further subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and 
Table, to read as above. 
2Subs. by A. O., 1931, for “ L. G.”. 
3Subs. ibid., for “ Gazette”. 
4Ins. by the Amending Act, 1903 (I of 1903),  s. 3 and Sch.II. 
5Subs. By A.O., 1937, for “Act of the G.G. in C”. 
6Ins. by the Second Repealing and Amending Act, 1914 (17 of 1914), section 2 and Sch. I. 
7Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “Act of the G. G. in C.”. 
8Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for” section 5 or 5A of the Scheduled Districts Act, 1874, or any like 
law”. 
9Ins. by the Act of The General Clauses (Amdt.) Act, 1997 ( Act No. XI of 1997), s.2.  
 
Page 22 of 23 
 
(2) The authority, office or person making any order or issuing any di rection under the 
powers conferred by or under any enactment shall, so far as necessary or appropriate, give 
reasons for making the order or, as the case may be, for issuing the direction and shall provide a 
copy of the order or as the case may be, the direction to the person affected prejudicially.] 
MISCELLANEOUS 
 25.  Recovery of fines.  Sections 63 to 70 of the Pakistan Penal Code and the 1provisions of 
the Code of Criminal Procedure for the time being in force in relation to the issue and the execution 
of warrants for the levy of fines shall apply to all fines imposed under any Act Regulation, rule or 
bye-law unless the  Act,  Regulation, rule  or  bye-law  contains  an  express  provision  to  the 
contrary. 
 26.  Provision as to offences punishable under two or more enactments.—Where an 
act or omission constitutes an offence under two or more enactments, then the offender shall be 
liable to be prosecuted and punished under either or any of those enactments, but shall not be liable 
to be punished twice for the same offence. 
 227.   M eaning of service by post.—Where any 5[Central Act] or Regulation made after 
the commencement of this Act authorizes or requires any document to be served by post, whether 
the expression” “serve” or either of the expressions “give” or “send” or any other  expression is 
used, then, unless a different intention appears, the service s hall be deemed to  be effected by 
properly addressing, pre-paying and posting by registered post, a letter containing the document, 
and, unless the contrary is proved, to have been effected at the time at which the letter would be 
delivered in the ordinary course of post. 
  
328. Citation of enactments.— (1) In any 5[Central Act] or Regulation, and in any rule, bye-
law, instrument or document, made under, or with reference to, any such Act or Regulation, any 
enactment may be cited by reference to  the title or short title (if any) conferred thereon or by 
reference to  the number and year thereof, and any provision in an enactment may be cited by 
reference to the section or sub-section of the enactment in which the prevision is contained. 
 (2) In this Act and in any 5[Central Act] or Regulation made after the commencement of this 
Act, a  description or citation of a portion of another enactment shall, unless a different intention 
appears, be construed as including the word, section or other part mentioned or  referred to as 
forming the beginning and as forming the end of the portion comprised in the description or 
citation. 
 529.  Saving for  previous  enactments,  rules  and  bye-laws.  The provisions  of  this  
Act respecting the construction of Acts, Regulations, rules or bye-laws made after the commence 
ment of this Act shall not affect the construction of any Act, Regulation, rule or bye -law made 
before the commencement of  this Act, although the Act, Regulation, rule or bye-law is continued or 
amended by an Act, Regulation, tule or bye-law made after the commencement of this Act. 
 
1See the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898), s. 386 et, seq. 
2Cf. the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Viet., c. 63), s. 26. 
3Cf. ibid., s.35. 
4Subs. by A.O., 1937. For “Act of the G.G. in C”. 
5Cf. the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Vict., c.63), s. 40.
 
Page 23 of 23 
 
 1[30.   Application of Act to Ordinances. In this Act the expression “2[ Central Act]” 
wherever it occurs, except in section 5, and the word “Act” in clauses (9), (12), (38), (48) and 
(50) of section 3 and in section 25 shall be deemed to include an Ordinance made and promulgated 
by the 3[ Governor General] under section 23 of the Indian Councils Act, 1861 4[ or section 72 of the 
Government of India Act, 1915] 5[ or section 42 6[* * *] of the Government of India Act, 1935   
7 [ or an Ordinance made and promulgated by the President on or after the twenty-third day of 
March, 1956 ]].] [24&25 Vict., c.67; 5&6 Geo.5, c.61; 26 Geo.5, c.21.] 
 7[31.  Application of Act to orders made by the President. The provisions of this Act 
shall apply for the interpretation of any Order made by the President on or after the twenty third day 
of March, 1956, as they apply for the interpretation of a Central Act, as if every such Order were a 
Central Act.] 
8[*        *         * * *         *         *] 
 
 
THE SCHEDULE. [ENACTMENTS REPEALED.] Rep. by the 
Amending Act, 1903 ( I of 1903), s. 4 and Schedule III. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1Ins. by the Second Repealing and Amending Act, 1914 (17 of 1914),s. 2 and Sch I. 
2Sub. by A. O., 1937, for “Act of the G. G. in C.”. 
3Subs. and shall be deemed to. have been so. subs. on the twenty-third day of March, 1956, by the Repealing and Amending Ordinance,1965 (10 of 
1965), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. for “President” which had been subs. by A. O., 
1961, Art. 2, for the words “Governor General” (with effect from the 23rd, March, 1956). 
4Ins. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1917 (24 of 1917), s. 2 and Sch. I. 
5Ins. by A. O., 1937. 
6The words and figures “or section 43 omitted by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G. G. O. 20 of 1947), Sch. 
7Added by the General Clauses (Second Amdt.) Ordinance, 1959 (37 of 1959), ss. 2 and 3. 
8Ss. 30A and 31 regarding “Application of Act to Acts made by the Governor General” and “Construction of references to Local Government of a 
Province “ which were ins. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1923 (11 of 1923), s. 2 and Sch. I and the Repealing and Amending Act, 1920 (31 of 
1920), s. 2 and Sch. I, respectively, were rep. by A. O., 1937.