Pakistan achieved a new constitution between 1947 and 1973

Question 1

What was the first step taken towards creating a new constitution in Pakistan after independence?

Answer 1

• The first step was the establishment of the Basic Principles Committee in 1949, which aimed to set out Islamic principles in a future constitution, outlined in the Objectives Resolution.

Question 2

What did the Objectives Resolution of 1949 propose?

Answer 2

• It proposed a Western democracy with Islamic values, forming the basis of later constitutions.

Question 3

What did the Basic Principles Committee’s 1952 report state?

Answer 3

• The report stated that the Head of State must be Muslim and a committee of Islamic specialists would ensure that all laws conformed to Islamic principles.

Question 4

When was Pakistan’s first constitution introduced, and what were its key features?

Answer 4

• The first constitution was introduced in 1956, declaring Pakistan an Islamic Republic, making Urdu and Bengali the official languages, and establishing a parliamentary system with significant powers for the President.

Question 5

What system of government did Ayub Khan introduce in 1959?

Answer 5

• Ayub Khan introduced the Basic Democracies system, a 4-tier government structure allowing elections at various levels.

Question 6

When was the second constitution introduced, and what were its key features?

Answer 6

• The second constitution was introduced in 1962 by Ayub Khan, establishing a presidential system with all powers concentrated in the President.

Question 7

What happened in 1971 regarding Pakistan’s constitutional history?

Answer 7

• Martial law under General Yahya ended, and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto took over, leading to the creation of the 1973 Constitution.

Question 8

What were the key features of the 1973 Constitution?

Answer 8

• The 1973 Constitution revived the power of the National Assembly, established a parliamentary system, guaranteed fundamental human rights, formed the Islamic Ideological Council, and introduced the Senate and National Assembly.

Question 9

Why was the Objectives Resolution criticized, especially by East Pakistan?

Answer 9

• It was criticized because Urdu, not Bengali, was chosen as the official language, and East Pakistan resented the federal government having too much power.

Question 10

Why was the 1956 Constitution criticized?

Answer 10

• It was criticized because it gave too much power to the President, didn’t address East Pakistan’s demand for representation, and was a compromise between political parties that satisfied no one fully

Question 11

Why did Ayub Khan’s 1962 Constitution face opposition?

Answer 11

• It concentrated power in the ruling elite, dominated by West Pakistan’s military and civil officials, leading to discontent in East Pakistan.

Question 12

What led to the abolition of Ayub Khan’s constitution in 1969?

Answer 12

• General Yahya abolished the 1962 Constitution and Basic Democracies after taking charge in 1969.