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Islamic Provisions of Constitution of 1973

Introduction

On 7^th April, 1972 the national assembly of Pakistan appointed a committee to prepare a draft of the permanent constitution of Pakistan. A bill to provide a constitution was introduced by the committee in the Assembly on February2, 1973. The Assembly passed the bill on 10^th April, 1973 and at last the constitution came into force on 14^th August 1973.

The present constitution (1973) provides for the protection and preservation of Islamic Concept of life. It also attempts to propagate and implement the basic teachings of Islam.

Islamic Provisions of 1973 Constitution

The following are the Islamic provisions of 1973 constitution based on the principles of Holy Quran and Sunnah.

Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Pakistan shall be known as "Islamic Republic of Pakistan."
State Religion
Islam shall be the state religion of Pakistan.
Sovereignty Belongs to Allah
Sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah and the authority bestowed by him on men is a sacred trust which the people of Pakistan will exercise with the limits prescribed by Quran and Sunnah.
Definition of a Muslim
The constitution also gives the definition of a Muslim. A person who believes in Tauheed or Oneness of Allah, and in the prophet hood of Hazrat Mohammad (P.B.U.H) as the last prophet of Allah has described as a Muslim.
A Muslim to be a President and Prime Minister
The constitution laid down that only Muslims shall be elected President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. Non non-Muslim could hold these offices.
Islamic Way of life
Steps shall be given to enable the Muslims of Pakistan to order their lives in accordance with the fundamental principles and basic concepts of Islam.
Promotion of Social Justice and Eradication of Social Evils
The state shall take necessary steps for prosecution of social justice and eradication of social evils and shall prevent prostitution, gambling and taking of injurious drugs, printing, publication, circulation and display of obscene literature and advertisements.
Teachings of Holy Quran
The state shall try to make the teachings of Holy Quran and Islamiat compulsory to encourage and facilitate the learning of Arabic language.
Strengthing Bond, with Muslim World
The state shall endeavour to strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries in order to promote Islamic unity.
Council of Islamic Ideology
There is a council of Islamic ideology which shall guide the government in respect of Islamic teachings, their implementation and propagation. Its chairman and members are appointed by President. Although its advice is not binding on the government yet it is not easy for any government to ignore or over rule its suggestion or opinion regarding any law.
Error Free Publication of Quran
The government shall endeavour to secure correct and exact printing and publishing of the Holy Quran.
Oath to Project and Promote Islamic Ideology
The Federal and Provincial Ministers, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National and Provincial Assemblies, the Chairman of the Senate and the Governors and Chief Ministers of the Provinces also take oath to preserve and protect the Islamic Ideology.
Ahmadi’s A Non Muslim Minority

According to the second amendment of 1973 constitution, the Qadiani group or the Lahori group who call themselves "Ahmadi’s" were declared as Non-Muslim minority.

Conclusion

The 1973 constitution enlisted the main principles of State Policy Maximum efforts were made to imporve the character of this constitution . Like other constitutions, 1973 constitution of Pakistan also provides for the protection, propagation and enforcement of Islamic Ideology.

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