March 23rd holds a significant place in Pakistani history as it marks the day when the All India Muslim League adopted the Lahore Resolution. The resolution was a demand for a separate nation for Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. After the creation of Pakistan, the day was celebrated as Pakistan Day.
The First Constitution (1956)
Pakistan was formed in 1947, and it took nine years and two Constituent Assemblies to adopt its first Constitution. The country faced several challenges while writing its Constitution, including political instability, the death of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the dissolving of the first Constituent Assembly.
The first Constitution was adopted in 1956 and served as an example for other Islamic countries, such as Malaysia and Nigeria. The Constitution had a unicameral Parliament of 300 members divided equally between West and East Pakistan. However, this Constitution was abrogated in 1958 by President Sikandar Mirza and replaced with martial law.
The Second Constitution (1962)
President Sikandar Mirza was replaced by General Muhammad Ayub Khan, who introduced the second Constitution in 1962. This Constitution heavily concentrated powers in the hands of the President, who was elected indirectly by an electoral college of ‘Basic Democrats’. The Constitution lasted for seven years until martial law was imposed again in 1969.
The Third Constitution (1973)
The third and current Constitution of Pakistan was introduced in 1973. This Constitution governs the country to this day and provides the framework for the functioning of the country’s democratic institutions. The Constitution lays down the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, the powers of the President, and the Parliament.
Each Constitution played a crucial role in shaping the country’s history, providing a framework for the functioning of its democratic institutions, and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of its citizens. The celebration of the day is a reminder of the country’s rich cultural heritage and its quest for a democratic and just society.