Class IX, PAKISTAN STUDIES, "Evolution of Constitution Making in Pakistan"

The Meaning and Importance of Constitution

Constitution is the collection of those basic principles and laws which explain the rights of the citizens, powers of different departments and their mutual relations. The constitution is the backbone of any country. The country is like a trust for the life, and protection of people of the country. It protects the rights of citizens and proves helpful in running the system of a country in an organized way.

Government of India Act 1935

Government of India Act, 1935 was enforced with little changes and amendments at that time when Pakistan was newly born. The aim was to run the government temporarily till the constitution is made. India Act was prepared by English and this could not fulfill our needs according to our national requirements and interests.

Objective Resolution

The first step towards constitution making in Pakistan was taken in March 1949 when our first legislative council sanctioned Objective Resolution. Liaquat Ali Khan was the Prime Minister of Pakistan. This resolution is the base of our constitution, it is said that Allah is the supreme power and citizens of Pakistan will use it within limits of Quran and Sunnah. No constitution can be practiced in Pakistan which goes against the injunctions of Islam. It is the duty of the government to make arrangements for the Muslims of Pakistan to lead their lives according to the rules of Quran and Sunnah.

Preparation of Constitution

It was hoped that the constitution will be mae within one and a half years after the sanction of Objective Resolution but unfortunately it could not happen. There were other reasons along with the murder of Liaquat Ali Khan. First Legislative Assembly made committee named the Committee of Basic Principles. Instead other sub-committees were also formed. But objective was not achieved and the process of constitution making became very slow.

Secondary Legislative Assembly

On 21st December, 1954 Governor-general of Pakistan Ghulam Mohammad dissolved the Legislative Assembly and the elections of second Legislative Assembly in 1955 were held in an indirect way. This new assembly started the work of constitution making once again.