Constitutions
Introduction to Constitutions & Legal Milestones
The constitutional history of Pakistan is marked by long periods of deliberation and multiple shifts between parliamentary and presidential systems. After years of functioning under the modified Government of India Act 1935, Pakistan eventually adopted its first indigenous constitution in 1956. Today, the country is governed by the 1973 Constitution, which established a federal parliamentary system.
Classification: The Three Constitutions
- 1956 Constitution: The first constitution; established Pakistan as an Islamic Republic with a parliamentary system.
- 1962 Constitution: Introduced by Ayub Khan; established a Presidential system with a system of "Basic Democracies."
- 1973 Constitution: The current constitution; passed unanimously; established a Bicameral Parliamentary system (Senate and National Assembly).
The Constitutional Comparison Master Table
| Feature | 1956 Constitution | 1962 Constitution | 1973 Constitution |
|---|---|---|---|
| System | Parliamentary | Presidential | Parliamentary |
| Legislature | Unicameral | Unicameral | Bicameral |
| Head of State | President | President | President |
| Head of Govt | Prime Minister | President | Prime Minister |
| Status | Islamic Republic | Republic (later Islamic) | Islamic Republic |
Key Scientific & Historical Facts
- The Objectives Resolution (1949), presented by Liaquat Ali Khan, is considered the "Magna Carta" of Pakistan's constitutional history and serves as the preamble to all three constitutions.
- The 1973 Constitution was the first to be passed unanimously by all political parties in the National Assembly.
- The 18th Amendment (2010) is a landmark change to the 1973 Constitution that restored provincial autonomy and removed the President's power to dissolve the assembly.
- A Bicameral Legislature means the parliament has two houses: the Senate (Upper House) and the National Assembly (Lower House).
- The First Constitution (1956) lasted only two years before being abrogated by Iskander Mirza in 1958, leading to the first Martial Law.
Subject Card Prompts (Flashcards)
- Q: When was the first constitution of Pakistan implemented?
- A: March 23, 1956.
- Q: Which constitution introduced a bicameral legislature?
- A: The 1973 Constitution.
- Q: Who is known as the "Architect of the 1973 Constitution"?
- A: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
- Q: What is the preamble to all Pakistani constitutions?
- A: The Objectives Resolution (1949).
Practice MCQ
"Which of the following constitutions established a Presidential system of government in Pakistan?"
A) 1956 Constitution
B) 1962 Constitution
C) 1973 Constitution
D) Government of India Act 1935
(Correct: B - 1962 Constitution)