Constitution of 1956

.Definition:

“A body of fundamental principles or established or precedents according to which a state or other

OR

“The composition of something”

Introduction:

Thr first constitution was introduced in Pakistan on 23 March 1956.23rd March as you know is an
important day in the history of Pakistan. You would recall that on 23rd March 1940 The Lahore Resolution
was presented for approval in the annual session of ML held at Lahore. So when this constitution was
introduced it was decided that it should be introduced on such a day of historical importance. Therefore
on 23rd March this constitution was introduced. After nine years of efforts,
Pakistan was successful in framing a constitution. The Constituent Assembly adopted it on 29 February
1956, and it was enforced on 23 March 1956, proclaiming Pakistan to be an Islamic republic.

Details:

The 1956 Constitution of Pakistan had 234 articles and 6 schedules in which the whole constitutional
framework and principles for governance and power management have been outlined. This Constitution
describes Pakistan as Islamic Republic of Pakistan that is the official title of the Pakistani state. If we look
at the provisions of the constitution we will find that there is an impact of Govt of India Act 1935 and the
1st Interim constitution of 1947 on this constitution. Some of the articles of the Indian Act of 1935 and
the 1st Interim constitution have been incorporated in this constitution with some adjustments and
modifications here and there and in certain cases language is very similar if not the same. So in a way
there is some continuity from the previous document to this document. Although it is different from the
previous one in most respects but there in some continuity.

Features:

And now we will discuss the basic features of The 1956 Constitution, so that you had an idea of what
kind of constitutional system came into being with the introduction of the Constitution. What kind of
state institutions were created, what kind of relationship

Of different state institutions with each other with the public at large, how the power was distributed
and how the power was to be exercised.

Salient Features of Constitution of 1956

Written Constitution

Constitution of was a written and lengthy document. It had 234 Articles and 6 Schedules.
Rigid Constitution

The Constitution of 1956 was partly rigid and Party flexible. The method of Amendment was not difficult.

Objective Resolution

Objective Resolution was included as Preamble of Constitution of 1956.

Name of Country

Constitution of 1956 declared Pakistan as Republic of Pakistan.

National Language

Under constitution of 1956, Urdu and Bengali were made national Language.

State Religion

Islam was the state religion of Pakistan.

Islamic Provisions

Many Islamic Provisions was introduced in constitution of 1956 and decided that no law will be made
which against the injunction of Islam.

Fundamental Right

Fundamental Rights were given to the people of Pakistan according to constitution of 1956.

Rights of Minorities

Rights of minorities were provided in the constitution of Pakistan 1956. Minorities freely perform own
religion festivals.

Uni- cameral Legislature

Constitution of 1956 was provided uni-cameral legislature which was based on just national assembly.

Federal System
Federal system was introduced in the country under the constitution of 1956.

Parliamentary Form of Govt

Constitution of 1956 was introduced parliamentary form of Govt.

Freedom of Judiciary

Freedom of Judiciary was introduced in constitution of 1956. It was decided that supreme court would
interpret the constitution.

Direct Election

In the Constitution of 1956 method of direct election was introduced.

Single Citizenship

There was only single citizenship in the constitution of 1956.

Directive Principles of the State Policy

The constitution laid down certain Directive principles of State policy for the Guidance of the
Government. They would serve simply as ideals which the state should strive to achieve.

Lengthy Constitution

The constitution of 1956 was a lengthy one. The reason for its being lengthy was that the framer not only
framed the fundamental principles but administrative details were also given.

Causes of Failure of Parliamentary System under Constitution of 1956

Lack of Leadership played its role in the failure of the constitution of 1956. For Lack of Leadership,
Pakistan never found its way to development of its parliamentary system. So, parliamentary system
under first constitution of Pakistan failed.

Lack of Political Training

There was lack of political training in the country. Many political parties made without any political goal.
Their fight against another for gain power. So, under these circumstances, development of parliamentary
system under this constitution failed.
Unicameralism

The constitution of 1956 was introduced unicameral legislature. Through unicameral legislature create
many problems for Pakistan and the result martial law was imposed in country.

Delay in Elections

Every political party try to gain power and no one was interested for elections. So, these circumstances,
elections were delayed and such delay caused failure of parliamentary system under first constitution of
Pakistan 1956.

Non Existence of Economic Equality

Non existence of economic equality in the country was a cause of failure of constitution. Constitution of
1956 described some principles for economic development of country, yet nepotism and feudalism
checked the constitution from implementing those principles. Finally, parliamentary system under this
constitution failed.

Drawbacks
• The Bengalis were underrepresented in the National Assembly.

• The provisional autonomy was not given to provinces, and their demands were tried to be
crushed by 'One Unit Scheme', while Dr Akhter Hamid Khan always said that the people should
be given the right to solve their problems themselves.

• The first step towards institutionalising army into politics was taken by giving the president the
right to declare emergency at a time of so-called internal or external danger.

ENFORCEMENT OF MARTIAL LAW

On the night of 7 October 1958, the constitution was suspended by a Presidential proclamation.
The ministers were dismissed; the legislatures dissolved and political parties were banned. The
Commander in Chief of the Army, General Mohammad Ayub Khan, was appointed Chief Martial
Law Administrator. The proclamation dwelt at length on the chaotic state of the country, lack of
scruples on the part of parliamentary leaders, widespread corruption, irresponsible conduct of
services and disorderly finances. Another announcement stated that the object of this ‘take
over’ was to ‘clear the messes’ and prepare the country for more practicable form government.
Three weeks experience of the new government showed, however, that Iskandar Mirza was still
playing and trying to use the same weapons against his new colleagues that he had so
successfully used against the politicians. He was made to vacate office on 27 October1958 and
 the Chief Martial Law Administrator, Mohammad Ayub Khan, became the President of the
country.

Conclusion

To conclude, it can be stated that constitution history of Pakistan reveals that there has been political
conflict between head of state and head of government, and such political conflict has often led the
country to political anarchy. And Constitution of Pakistan have been either abrogated or suspended in
such political anarchy. As far as constitution of 1956 was concerned, it consisted of some positive
characteristics, but such political anarchy caused its abrogation.

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