Introduction
The creation of Pakistan in 1947 marked not only the emergence of a new state but also
the birth of a unique ideological experiment, one that aimed to combine the principles of Islam
with the framework of a modern nation-state. In the immediate aftermath of independence,
Pakistan faced the daunting challenge of defining its national identity and developing a
constitutional structure that would reflect the aspirations of its diverse population. Amid this
uncertainty, the Objective Resolution was introduced on March 12, 1949, by Prime Minister
Liaquat Ali Khan in the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. This resolution would go on to
become a foundational document in the constitutional and political history of the country.
The Objective Resolution served as a declaration of the basic guiding principles for the
future constitution of Pakistan. It provided a philosophical and ideological direction, asserting
that sovereignty belongs to Allah alone and that the authority to be exercised by the state would
be a sacred trust. It emphasized the importance of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and
social justice as enshrined in Islam, while also ensuring the protection of the rights and freedoms
of minorities. In many ways, the resolution was an attempt to strike a balance between the
Islamic ideals that inspired the creation of Pakistan and the modern democratic values that the
state aspired to uphold.
At its core, the Objective Resolution was more than a symbolic statement; it was a pivotal
moment in Pakistan’s journey toward constitutional development. It laid the groundwork for all
future constitutions and shaped the ideological direction of the state. However, it also sparked
intense debate and criticism, especially from minority communities and secular voices who
feared that its emphasis on religion might lead to the marginalization of non-Muslims.
Background
When Pakistan was created on August 14, 1947, it was born out of a struggle that
emphasized the protection of Muslim identity and rights within the Indian subcontinent.
However, independence came with immense challenges. The country was divided geographically
into East and West Pakistan, with limited resources, millions of refugees to settle, and no
finalized constitution to govern this new state.
After the death of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1948, the leadership mantle
was taken over by Liaquat Ali Khan. One of the pressing issues at that time was the formation of
a constitution that would reflect the ideals for which Pakistan was created. While Jinnah had
often emphasized religious freedom and minority rights, the broader vision of what role Islam
would play in the state’s governance was still debated. There were growing demands from
various religious and political groups that the future constitution should be rooted in Islamic
principles, while others, especially minority communities, were concerned about preserving
secular values and ensuring equality.
In this atmosphere of uncertainty and ideological debate, the Constituent Assembly of
Pakistan was tasked with drafting the new constitution. However, before the actual drafting could
begin, it was felt that a guiding framework or set of principles was needed, something that would
reflect the soul of the future constitution. This led to the formulation of the Objective Resolution,
which aimed to address the ideological basis of the state and provide direction to the
constitutional process.
Thus, the background to the Objective Resolution is deeply tied to the early struggles of
Pakistan’s state-building efforts, trying to navigate between its Islamic identity and democratic
aspirations, while also uniting a nation of diverse ethnicities, cultures, and religious
communities.
The Objective Resolution
The Objectives Resolution is one of the most important and illuminating documents in
the constitutional history of Pakistan. It laid down the objectives on which the future constitution
of the country was to be based and it proved to be the foundational stone of the constitutional
development in Pakistan. The most significant thing was that it contained the basic principles of
both the Islamic political system and Western Democracy. Its importance can be ascertained
from the fact that it served as a preamble for the constitution of 1956, 1962, and 1973 and
ultimately became part of the Constitution when the Eighth Amendment in the Constitution of
1973 was passed in 1985.
The Objective Resolution was presented in the Constituent Assembly by Liaquat Ali
Khan on March 7, 1949, and was debated for five days by the members from both the treasury
and opposition benches. The resolution was ultimately passed on March 12. Following were the
main features of the Objectives Resolution:
1. Whereas sovereignty over the entire universe belongs to Allah Almighty alone and 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.
2. This Constituent Assembly representing the people of Pakistan resolves to frame a
Constitution for the sovereign independent State of Pakistan.
3. Wherein the State shall exercise its powers and authority through the chosen
representatives of the people.
4. Wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice as
enunciated by Islam shall be fully observed.
5. Wherein the Muslims shall be enabled to order their lives in the individual and collective
spheres in accordance with the teachings and requirements of Islam as set out in the Holy
Quran and the Sunnah.
6. Wherein adequate provision shall be made for the minorities to freely profess and
practice their religions and develop their cultures.
7. Wherein the territories now included in or in accession with Pakistan and such other
territories as may hereafter be included in or accede to Pakistan shall form a Federation
wherein the units will be autonomous with such boundaries and limitations on their
powers and authority as may be prescribed.
8. Wherein shall be guaranteed fundamental rights including equality of status, of
opportunity and before law, social, economic and political justice, and freedom of
thought, expression, belief, faith, worship and association, subject to law and public
morality.
9. Wherein adequate provisions shall be made to safeguard the legitimate interests of
minorities and backward and depressed classes.
10.Wherein the independence of the Judiciary shall be fully secured.
11.Wherein the integrity of the territories of the Federation, its independence and all its
rights including its sovereign rights on land, sea and air shall be safeguarded.
Significance and Impact
The Objective Resolution laid the foundation for the future constitution of Pakistan and
defined the core principles upon which the new state was to be governed. Its significance lies not
only in the content it provided for constitutional development but also in the long-lasting impact
it had on the political, legal, and ideological landscape of Pakistan.
One of the key aspects of the Objective Resolution is that it declared sovereignty belongs
to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to govern would be exercised by the people of
Pakistan as a sacred trust. This concept was a clear signal that Pakistan was not to be a secular
state in the Western sense, but rather an Islamic democracy, where the values of Islam would
guide the laws, policies, and governance of the country. At the same time, the resolution
emphasized the role of elected representatives, confirming the commitment to democratic
processes. Islamic principles and democratic governance became the core ideological blend that
shaped Pakistan’s identity.
The Objective Resolution also stressed the principles of freedom, equality, tolerance, and
social justice, all within the framework of Islam. It promised the protection of the rights of
minorities, allowing them to profess, practice, and develop their religions and cultures freely.
This was an important assurance in a newly formed country that had a significant non-Muslim
population, especially in East Pakistan. The inclusion of fundamental rights, an independent
judiciary, and a federal structure in the resolution laid the groundwork for future constitutional
structures.
Legally, the Objective Resolution’s importance only grew over time. Initially, it served as
a preamble to the constitutions of 1956, 1962, and 1973, symbolizing its foundational role.
However, its status changed significantly in 1985, during General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, when it
was inserted into the Constitution of Pakistan as Article 2A, making it an operative and
enforceable part of the law. This meant that not only was it a statement of ideology, but it also
became a source of legal interpretation. Courts could now refer directly to it in their judgments,
particularly when dealing with issues involving Islamic principles of fundamental rights.
The judiciary has referred to the Objective Resolution in several landmark cases, and it
has often been cited as a source for promoting Islamic laws and ensuring that legislation is in
accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. The Federal Shariat Court and the
Council of Islamic Ideology also use the resolution as a guiding principle. It played a major role
in shaping the Islamization policies in the 1980s and continues to influence legal discourse in
Pakistan.
The Objective Resolution is viewed by many as a symbol of national unity and identity.
It provided the ideological compass for Pakistan at a time when the country was still trying to
define its purpose and future. It continues to be taught in schools, cited in legal documents, and
referenced in political debates. The resolution captures the original aspirations of the people who
believed in a state that could uphold Islamic values while maintaining justice, equality, and
democracy.
The Objective Resolution has had a profound and lasting impact on Pakistan’s political,
constitutional, and legal systems. It not only provided the guiding principles for the constitution
but also defined the ideological direction of the state. While it remains a subject of debate and
differing interpretations, its role in shaping the identity and governance of Pakistan is undeniable.
It stands as a testament to the complex journey of balancing religion with modern statehood, a
challenge Pakistan continues to navigate today.
Criticism and Controversy
While the Objective Resolution was hailed by many as a visionary document that laid the
ideological foundation of Pakistan, it also faced serious criticism, both at the time of its adoption
and in the decades that followed. One of the major concerns came from non-Muslim members of
the Constituent Assembly, especially those representing minority communities such as Hindus
and Christians. They objected to the strong emphasis on Islam as the guiding force of the state,
fearing that it would reduce minorities to second-class citizens in a country that was initially
promised to uphold religious freedom and equal citizenship. The statement that sovereignty
belongs to Allah was seen by some as a departure from Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s
vision, which emphasized a more secular and inclusive approach to governance, as reflected in
his famous August 11, 1947 speech.
Another layer of criticism focused on the vagueness and interpretational flexibility of the
resolution. While it called for democracy and fundamental rights, it simultaneously declared that
laws must conform to Islamic teachings, which can vary depending on different schools of
thought. This created long-term legal ambiguities and made room for selective interpretation,
which some critics argue has been used by political and religious groups to justify discriminatory
laws and policies, particularly during the Islamization period under General Zia-ul-Haq. The
insertion of the Objective Resolution into the Constitution as Article 2A in 1985 gave it binding
legal authority, which many legal experts and secular voices argue shifted the balance toward a
more theocratic state model, undermining Pakistan’s democratic and pluralistic foundations.
Furthermore, the resolution’s lack of clear safeguards for minority rights raised concerns
about institutional bias. Although it mentions protection for minorities to practice their religion
and culture, the overall tone and legal implications favored an Islamic framework, which some
saw as creating a hierarchy of citizenship. Over time, this perception has only deepened, as
religious minorities in Pakistan have faced challenges in accessing justice, education, and
political representation.
In essence, the criticism of the Objective Resolution stems from the tension between
ideology and inclusivity. While it aimed to provide direction to a new state emerging from
colonial rule, its strong Islamic orientation and legal consequences have made it a point of
division rather than unity for many. The ongoing debates around religious freedom, minority
rights, and the role of religion in the state continue to revolve around the legacy of this
document.
Modern Relevance
The Objective Resolution continues to hold significant modern-day relevance in
Pakistan’s political and constitutional landscape. Even decades after its adoption, it remains a
central reference point in discussions about the country’s identity, governance, and legal
framework. As Article 2A of the Constitution, it guides lawmakers, courts, and religious bodies
in aligning new laws with Islamic teachings. The judiciary often refers to it in cases involving
human rights, Shariah interpretation, and public morality. In an era where the balance between
Islamic values and democratic norms is still debated, the resolution remains a symbolic compass
for determining Pakistan’s direction. Issues like minority rights, women’s rights, religious
freedom, and blasphemy laws are often debated in light of this foundational document. Political
parties and religious groups invoke the resolution to justify various policy decisions, making it a
living part of the legal and ideological discourse. In essence, while the social, political, and
global context has changed, the Objective Resolution still influences national debates on identity,
lawmaking, and constitutional interpretation in Pakistan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Objective Resolution stands as a cornerstone in Pakistan’s
constitutional and ideological history. Drafted in the early years of independence, it provided a
framework that sought to unite Islamic principles with democratic values, laying the foundation
for all future constitutions. Its emphasis on sovereignty of Allah, rule of law, fundamental rights,
and minority protection reflected both the aspirations and challenges of a new Muslim state.
While it has played a vital role in shaping Pakistan’s legal and political systems, it has also
drawn criticism for its vagueness and perceived exclusion of secular and minority voices.
Nevertheless, its incorporation into the Constitution as Article 2A has made it a living legal
document, continuing to influence governance, legal decisions, and public discourse. The
Objective Resolution remains a symbol of Pakistan’s ideological journey, reflecting the ongoing
struggle to balance faith, justice, democracy, and inclusivity in a complex and evolving society.
References:
● Khan, Hamid Constitutional and Political History of Pakistan (Karachi: OUP, 2017)
● The Papi Law www.pakistani.org. Archived from the original on 29 March 2016.
Retrieved 27 March 2017.
● ARCHIVES: Chattopadhyaya against Objective Resolution.
● Clerics on the march – Ayaz Amir. Thenews.com.pk. Retrieved on August 3, 2013.
● Strangers in the house | Herald. herald.dawn.com. Archived from the original on 24 May
2013.
● Annex – Text of the Constitution of Pakistan, Pakistani.org
