The Constitution of Pakistan 1956
| Table of Contents |
|---|
| 1. Introduction |
| 2. Background |
| 3. Features of the Constitution |
| 4. Amendments |
| 5. Abrogation |
| 6. Frequently Asked Questions |
1. Introduction
The Constitution of Pakistan 1956 was the first constitution of Pakistan after the country's independence from British rule in 1947. It provided a framework for the governance of the country and outlined the rights and responsibilities of its citizens.
2. Background
The Constitution of Pakistan 1956 was drafted by a constituent assembly and came into effect on March 23, 1956. It established Pakistan as an Islamic republic with a parliamentary form of government. The constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935, which had served as the governing document during the British colonial era.
3. Features of the Constitution
The Constitution of Pakistan 1956 had several key features, including:
- Declaration of Pakistan as an Islamic republic
- Establishment of a parliamentary system of government
- Creation of a bicameral legislature
- Recognition of fundamental rights and freedoms
- Separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government
- Provisions for the protection of minorities
4. Amendments
The Constitution of Pakistan 1956 underwent several amendments during its existence. Some of the notable amendments included:
- The Second Amendment in 1962, which introduced the concept of Basic Democracy and replaced the parliamentary system with a presidential form of government.
- The Eighth Amendment in 1985, which granted extensive powers to the President, including the authority to dissolve the National Assembly.
- The Seventeenth Amendment in 2003, which provided legal cover to the military coup of 1999 and gave the President powers to dismiss the Prime Minister and dissolve the National Assembly.
5. Abrogation
The Constitution of Pakistan 1956 was abrogated on October 7, 1958, when the President of Pakistan, Iskander Mirza, declared martial law and suspended the constitution. This led to the establishment of a military government and the subsequent drafting of new constitutions in 1962, 1973, and 1985.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why was the Constitution of Pakistan 1956 significant?
- A: The Constitution of Pakistan 1956 was significant as it provided a formal framework for governance and established Pakistan as an independent Islamic republic.
- Q: How was the Constitution of Pakistan 1956 different from the previous governing document?
- A: The Constitution of Pakistan 1956 differed from the previous governing document, the Government of India Act 1935, by establishing Pakistan as a separate country and outlining its own system of government.
- Q: Why was the Constitution of Pakistan 1956 abrogated?
- A: The Constitution of Pakistan 1956 was abrogated due to a military coup in 1958, which resulted in the suspension of the constitution and the establishment of a military government.
- Q: How did the Constitution of Pakistan 1956 impact the rights of citizens?
- A: The Constitution of Pakistan 1956 recognized fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, including the right to equality, freedom of speech, and protection of minorities.