Outline
First constitution of Pakistan (1956)
Second Constitution of Pakistan (1962)
Third constitution of Pakistan (1973)
Comparison of All Three Constitutions of Pakistan
The first constitution of Pakistan (1956)
Introduction
Definition
Features of the 1956 Constitution
Summary
1. Introduction
Since gaining independence in 1947, Pakistan had still been operating with the Government of India Act
1935 as a temporary constitution. But the nation required a permanent constitution to establish its national
identity and system of government. After numerous debates and political events, the first constitution was
eventually promulgated on 23rd March 1956. This day was commemorated as Republic Day as it
indicated the change of Pakistan from dominion to an Islamic Republic.
2. Definition
A constitution is a collection of basic principles and laws that define the organization, powers, and
responsibilities of a government and the rights of the citizens. The 1956 Constitution of Pakistan was
the country's first enduring constitution. It prioritized Islamic values, provided for democracy, and a
parliamentary system of government. It also provided for the division of power between the center and
the provinces and ensured fundamental rights to the citizens.
3. Features of the 1956 Constitution
1. Islamic Republic
, Pakistan was established as an Islamic Republic, i.e., the sovereignty is Allah's, and the government will
be His trustee. Legislation had to be framed on Islamic principles, and it would not be possible to enact
any law which would be repugnant to the Qur'an and Sunnah.
2. Written Constitution
The 1956 Constitution was a detailed written constitution including 234 articles and 13 parts. It spelled
out clearly the government structure, the rights of citizens, and the powers of various institutions.
3. Federal System
A federal system of government with power distributed between the center and provinces was adopted
by Pakistan. There were three lists of legislation — Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent — to allocate
powers.
4. Parliamentary Form of Government
The Constitution provided for a parliamentary democracy, under which the President was the head of
state and the head of government, answerable to the elected National Assembly.
5. Unicameral Legislature
It provided for a unicameral legislature, that is, there was only one house — the National Assembly.
This house had legislative powers and oversight over the executive.
6. Adult Franchise
The constitution incorporated adult franchise, i.e., all citizens over the age of 21 had the right to vote in
elections with no discrimination based on gender, religion, or status.
7. Fundamental Rights
It provided basic fundamental rights like:
Freedom of speech
Freedom of religion
Right to fair trial
Equality before the law
Citizens could approach court if these rights were infringed.
8. Independent Judiciary
The judiciary was made independent and neutral. The Supreme Court was the highest court, and it
could interpret the constitution as well as safeguard the basic rights of citizens.
9. Urdu as National Language
First constitution of Pakistan (1956)
Second Constitution of Pakistan (1962)
Third constitution of Pakistan (1973)
Comparison of All Three Constitutions of Pakistan
The first constitution of Pakistan (1956)
Introduction
Definition
Features of the 1956 Constitution
Summary
1. Introduction
Since gaining independence in 1947, Pakistan had still been operating with the Government of India Act
1935 as a temporary constitution. But the nation required a permanent constitution to establish its national
identity and system of government. After numerous debates and political events, the first constitution was
eventually promulgated on 23rd March 1956. This day was commemorated as Republic Day as it
indicated the change of Pakistan from dominion to an Islamic Republic.
2. Definition
A constitution is a collection of basic principles and laws that define the organization, powers, and
responsibilities of a government and the rights of the citizens. The 1956 Constitution of Pakistan was
the country's first enduring constitution. It prioritized Islamic values, provided for democracy, and a
parliamentary system of government. It also provided for the division of power between the center and
the provinces and ensured fundamental rights to the citizens.
3. Features of the 1956 Constitution
1. Islamic Republic
, Pakistan was established as an Islamic Republic, i.e., the sovereignty is Allah's, and the government will
be His trustee. Legislation had to be framed on Islamic principles, and it would not be possible to enact
any law which would be repugnant to the Qur'an and Sunnah.
2. Written Constitution
The 1956 Constitution was a detailed written constitution including 234 articles and 13 parts. It spelled
out clearly the government structure, the rights of citizens, and the powers of various institutions.
3. Federal System
A federal system of government with power distributed between the center and provinces was adopted
by Pakistan. There were three lists of legislation — Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent — to allocate
powers.
4. Parliamentary Form of Government
The Constitution provided for a parliamentary democracy, under which the President was the head of
state and the head of government, answerable to the elected National Assembly.
5. Unicameral Legislature
It provided for a unicameral legislature, that is, there was only one house — the National Assembly.
This house had legislative powers and oversight over the executive.
6. Adult Franchise
The constitution incorporated adult franchise, i.e., all citizens over the age of 21 had the right to vote in
elections with no discrimination based on gender, religion, or status.
7. Fundamental Rights
It provided basic fundamental rights like:
Freedom of speech
Freedom of religion
Right to fair trial
Equality before the law
Citizens could approach court if these rights were infringed.
8. Independent Judiciary
The judiciary was made independent and neutral. The Supreme Court was the highest court, and it
could interpret the constitution as well as safeguard the basic rights of citizens.
9. Urdu as National Language
