Introduction
The
1973 constitution of Pakistan was adopted on April 12, 1973. This constitution
fully represents the ideology and democratic aspiration of the people of
Pakistan and constitution is the supreme law of the land and it is considered
as an instrument by which a Government can be run. It replaces the basic laws of
the state. it decides the attributes of the government and provincial Govt. in
constitution is federal cum parliamentary in its characteristics. The
constitution of Pakistan is based on principle of tracheotomy of power. It is a
social contract which binds people, society and a state to act within the
framework of the constitution.
Sources
of Constitution of Pakistan 1973
The sources
of constitution of Pakistan 1973 are as follows;
- Act of 1935
- Objective resolution
- Constitution of 1956
- Interim constitution of 1972
Salient Features of Constitution of Pakistan 1973
Following
are the salient features of the constitution of Pakistan 1973
Written
Constitution
Constitution
of Pakistan 1973 is a written constitution. It comprises of 280 Articles. It
also contains 6 schedules, which has been divided into 12 parts.
Rigid
Constitution
The
constitution of Pakistan 1973 is rigid because amendment procedure is not easy.
This constitution provides that 2/3 majority of votes of members National
Assembly and Senate, and assent of President of Pakistan are necessary for its
amendment.
State
Religion
The
constitution of Pakistan 1973 announces that Islam would be state religion.
National
Language and Official Language
In
accordance with Article 251 of the present constitution Urdu has been declared
as National Language of Pakistan but the official language is English.
Federal
Form of Government
Constitution
of Pakistan 1973 provide federal form of government consisting of four
provinces of the central government of Pakistan.
Parliamentary
form of Government
Parliamentary
form of government has been provided for the government in the constitution.
Direct
Elections
Constitution
of Pakistan 1973 has provided method of direct elections to elect members of
National Assembly and Provincial Assembly.
Bi-Cameral
Legislature
The
Federal Legislature is bi-cameral consisting two houses. Senate (upper house)
and National Assembly (lower House).
Preamble
Preamble
means an introductory part of statue; it is not the part of the constitution.
It is stated in it than sovereignty over entire universe belongs to Almighty
Allah.
Holding
of Referendum
The
president of Pakistan is authorized to order for holding a referendum on any
issue of national importance.
Single
citizenship
The
constitution of Pakistan 1973 provides single citizenship.
Independence
of Judiciary
An
Independent Judiciary has been provided in 1973 constitution. Judiciary
safeguards the fundamental rights of the people of Pakistan.
Rights
of Minorities
Rights
of Minorities have been protected in the 1973 constitution.
High
Treason
The
abrogation of the constitution through unconstitutional means is high treason.
It cannot be abrogated by the use of force.
Final
Analysis
To
conclude that the 1973 constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a
democratic state, parliamentary with bicameral legislature in its nature. It is
the constitution of elected people. All major political parties of Pakistan
unanimously accepted it. Minorities also have safeguard and fundamental rights
in such constitution.
