Lecture-6
Ideological Factors that Shaped the Constitution(s) of Pakistan
(Objectives Resolution 1949)
Background:
Pakistan's Objectives Resolution of 1949 is a crucial document in the history of the country, as
it outlines the foundational principles that guide the state and its governance. The Constitution
of Pakistan, throughout its history, has been shaped by a multitude of ideological factors that
have influenced the development of the country's governance system. From the very inception
of Pakistan as a separate nation in 1947, the question of Islam's role in the state has been a
central theme that has influenced the shaping of the Constitution. The founders of Pakistan
envisioned a state that would be based on Islamic principles, and this ideological factor has
played a significant role in defining the nature of the state and its governance structure.
Constituent Assembly: Objective Resolution
Objectives Resolution is one of the most
important documents in the constitutional
history of Pakistan. It was passed by the first
Constituent Assembly on 12th March 1949
under the leadership of Liaquat Ali Khan. The
Objectives Resolution is one of the most
important and illuminating documents in the
constitutional history of Pakistan.
Importance:
The primary aim of the Objectives Resolution was to define the ideological basis of the new
nation of Pakistan. It wanted to establish a Muslim state where Islamic principles would be the
guiding force in shaping the country's laws and policies. The resolution emphasized the
importance of democracy, equality, and social justice, while also recognizing the importance of
religious freedom and tolerance for all faiths.
Explanation:
The Resolution declared the sovereignty of God as the distinctive political philosophy. The
Western democracy gives the notion that sovereignty belong to the people but this Resolution is
important having the concept of the sovereignty of God. It clarified that people would utilize
powers gifted by God so they would have to work within the limits prescribed by Him. The
exercise of the powers is a sacred trust. The representatives of the people of Pakistan will
manage the affairs under the universal ideology of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and
social justice with the spirit of an Islamic framework.
Main features of the Objectives Resolution:
1. Sovereignty:
Sovereignty over the entire universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone.
2. A sacred trust:
The 2nd principle is an extension of the first which says that the authority which He has
delegated to the state of Pakistan through its people for being exercised within the limits
prescribed by Him is a sacred trust.
3. The constitution:
The Constitution will be framed for sovereign, independent state of Pakistan.
4. The representatives of the people:
The state shall exercise its power through the representatives of the people. Principles of
Democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice as enunciated by Islam will be fully
observed.
5. Islamic principles:
Muslims shall be enabled to organize their lives in accordance with the teachings and
requirements of Islam as set out in the Quran and the Sunnah.
6. Minorities:
This principle outlined in the Objective Resolution of March 1949 is that the minorities will have
freedom to freely profess and practice their religions and develop their cultures.
7. Human rights:
This principle is very similar to the previous one that says Provisions for safeguarding the
legitimate interests of minorities, backward and depressed classes. So in addition to the
minorities the OR was also talking about the backward and the depressed classes.
8. Federation:
Pakistan shall be a Federation with autonomous units.
9. State’s sovereignty:
State’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will be protected.
10. International norms:
People of Pakistan should have an opportunity to prosper and to attain their rightful place in the
comity of nations and make contribution towards international peace progress and happiness of
humanity.
Liaquat Ali Khan explained the context of the resolution in his speech delivered in the
Constituent Assembly on March 7, 1949. He termed the passage of the Objectives Resolution as
“the most important occasion in the life of this country, next in importance only to the
achievement of independence”. He said that we, as Muslims believed that authority is vested in
Allah Almighty and should be exercised per the values laid down in Islam. He added that this
preamble had made it clear that the authority would be exercised by the chosen persons; which is
the spirit of democracy and it eliminates the dangers of theocracy. It emphasized the principles
of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and social justice and it says that these should be
part of the future constitution.
