Article 38 of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 is titled "Promotion of social and economic well-being of the people". It is one of the most important articles in the constitution, as it sets out the state's obligations to its citizens in terms of social and economic rights.
The State's Obligations
The article begins by stating that the state shall "secure the wellbeing of the people, irrespective of sex, caste, creed or race". This means that the state has a responsibility to ensure that all citizens have access to the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, shelter, education, and healthcare.
The article goes on to outline some of the specific ways in which the state can promote the social and economic well-being of the people. These include:
* Preventing the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few
* Ensuring equitable adjustment of rights between employers and employees, and landlords and tenants
* Providing for all citizens, within the available resources of the country, facilities for work and adequate livelihood with reasonable rest and leisure
* Providing for all persons employed in the service of Pakistan or otherwise, social security by compulsory social insurance or other means
* Enabling people to participate in the management of public affairs
* Securing just and human conditions of work, ensuring that children are not employed in factories or mines except on such conditions as may be prescribed by law, and providing for the protection of women and children against exploitation and moral degradation
* Providing for the physical and moral well-being of the people
Key Takeaways
Here are some of the key takeaways from Article 38:
* The state has a responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of all citizens, regardless of their background.
* The state should take steps to prevent the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.
* The state should ensure that all citizens have access to the basic necessities of life.
* The state should provide social security for all citizens.
* The state should promote the physical and moral well-being of the people.
Conclusion
Article 38 is a significant provision in the Constitution of Pakistan. It enshrines the state's commitment to social justice and economic equality, and it provides a framework for the government to develop policies and programs that will improve the lives of all citizens.
