Objective Resolution

Preamble

Pakistan is the first nation in the world, whose creation was based on the religious motives. It was because of this reason that the popular and famous slogan of "Pakistan ka Matlab Kiya? La Illaha Illallah." Was the main basis of the demand of Pakistan. But at the very outset of its establishment, it had no Islamic constitution of its own, so according to the independence act of 1947, the government of India Act 1935, with certain amendments was adopted by Pakistan. However, a new constitution was to be framed for the country since the old act of 1935 did not contain everything required for an independent Islamic state.

First Constituent Assembly

In order to establish a society based on the Islamic principles, a constituent assembly was formed in 1947 with Quaid-e-Azam as its leader. The responsibility of making a constitution of Pakistan rested on Constituent Assembly.

However, with the death of Quaid-e-Azam on 11th September 1948, the responsibility of framing the constitution fell onto the shoulders of the first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan.

Objective Resolution

This resolution was passed by the First Constituent Assembly in March 1949 under the leadership of Liaquat Ali Khan. It contained those objectives on which the future constitution was to be based as stated by the founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam in February 1948, said:

"The constitution of Pakistan will be democratic and based on the fundamental laws of Islam… Islam and its ideology has taught us the lesson of democracy."

Salient Features of Objective Resolution

The salient features of the Objective Resolution are as follows:

Sovereignty Belongs to Allah

The resolution clearly laid down that sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone and the authorities to be exercised by the people of Pakistan are a sacred trust.
  1. Federal System

    Federal System of Government will be introduced in Pakistan.
  2. Golden Principles of Islam

    Principles of democracy, equality, freedom and social justice as laid down by Islam shall be fully observed.
  3. Supreme Authority of the People

    The sovereignty of the state will be established through the elected representative of the people.
  4. Life According to the Teachings of Islam

    The Muslims shall be provided with opportunity to order their lives in accordance with the teachings and requirements of Islam.
  5. Protection of the Rights of Minorities

    The rights and interests of the minorities to freely profess and practice their religion will be protected.
  6. Equal Rights to Citizens

    All citizens will enjoy their rights on the principle of equality.
  7. Development of Under Developed Areas

    All efforts will be made for the development and progress of the under developed areas.
  8. Independence Judiciary

Judiciary will be independent.

Objective Resolution and Liaquat Ali Khan

While introducing the resolution in the constituent Assembly, Liaquat Ali Khan said:

"The ideals that promised the demand for Pakistan should form the corner stone of the state. When we use the word ‘Democracy’ in the Islamic sense it pervades all aspects of life. It relates to the system of government and to our society with equal validity because one of the greatest contributions of Islam has been the equality of all men."

Importance of the Objective Resolution

This resolution is of fundamental importance in the history of constitutions making in Pakistan because from the first constitution of 1956 till the constitution of 1973 (present constitution) whatever constitution was framed it was based on this objective resolution. It contains those steps and principles which were to be taken for the fulfillment of the basic aim of the freedom struggle that is the establishment of an Islamic society in Pakistan. Hence, it is a significant document in the constitutional history of Pakistan.

When Liaquat Ali Khan visited America, in the course of his speech at New Orleans, he said:

"We believe in God and his Supreme sovereignty because we believe that civic life must have an ethical content and a higher purpose. But democracy, social justice, equality of opportunity and equality before the law of all citizens inrrespective of their race and creed are also aspects of faith with us."

Basic Principles of Committee

After passing the Objective Resolution, the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan set up a "Basic Principle Committee" to spell out proposals for the Constitution in accordance with the guidelines contained in the Objective Resolution.

Conclusion

All the above mentioned principles were presented in the Objective Resolution that is why this resolution is considered an important event in the constitutional history of the country. It was accepted by all classes of people. It provided a guide line for the future constitutions of Pakistan which were passed in 1956, 1962, 1973. It consisted of such principles which revealed that character of constitution shall be Islamic.

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