Salient Features of the Objectives Resolution, 1949

Pakistan Studies E-Notes

Unit 3: Constitution of Pakistan

Subtopic 3.1: Objectives Resolution

SLO 3.1.3: Discuss the salient features of the Objectives Resolution, 1949

Introduction

The Objectives Resolution was passed by Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly on 12 March 1949. It was moved by Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan on 7 March 1949 and laid down the fundamental principles for framing the future constitution. It sought a political system based on Islamic principles, democracy, justice and the protection of the rights of citizens and minorities, and later became an important constitutional reference point.

Salient features

1. Sovereignty belongs to Allah Almighty

Sovereignty over the entire universe belongs to Allah Almighty, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan is a sacred trust. This set the Islamic foundation of the proposed constitutional system.

2. Authority exercised through the people’s representatives

The authority of the state was to be exercised by the people of Pakistan through their chosen representatives, recognising representative government and a basis for democratic participation.

3. Democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice

These principles, as enunciated by Islam, were to be fully observed, guiding the government and the development of political and legal institutions.

4. Muslims enabled to live according to Islamic teachings

Muslims were to be enabled to order their lives, individually and collectively, according to the teachings and requirements of Islam as set out in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

5. Protection of the rights of minorities

Minorities were to be free to profess and practise their religions and develop their cultures, recognising the religious and cultural rights of non-Muslim communities.

6. Protection of fundamental rights

Adequate provision was to be made for fundamental rights, including equality of status and opportunity, equality before the law, social, economic and political justice, and freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship and association, subject to law and public morality.

7. Independence of the judiciary

The Resolution provided for an independent judiciary, which is important for administering justice, interpreting laws and protecting citizens’ rights, and helps ensure that government institutions act within their legal authority.

8. Federal system of government

The territories forming part of Pakistan, and others that might join it, were to form a federation whose constituent units would have autonomy within the limits set by the constitution. This was meant to give a constitutional basis for relations between the centre and the provinces.

9. Protection of the interests of disadvantaged groups

Adequate provision was to be made to safeguard the legitimate interests of minorities and backward and depressed classes, reflecting the aim of protecting vulnerable groups and promoting social justice.

10. Safeguarding territorial integrity and sovereignty

The independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan were to be safeguarded, emphasising the protection of the country’s freedom and its position as an independent state.

11. Promotion of international peace

The Resolution expressed Pakistan’s desire to contribute to international peace and progress and the happiness of humanity, placing its constitutional objectives within a commitment to peaceful relations among nations.

Significance

The Resolution provided guiding principles for Pakistan’s first constitution and later constitutional arrangements. It brought together Islamic principles, representative government, fundamental rights, minority protection and judicial independence in a single framework. It was made a substantive part of the Constitution through Article 2A in 1985, giving it constitutional status.

Quick revision

ThemeFeatures
Islamic basisSovereignty of Allah; living according to the Quran and Sunnah
Representative governmentAuthority through chosen representatives; democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, social justice
RightsFundamental rights; minority rights; protection of backward and depressed classes
InstitutionsIndependent judiciary; federation with autonomous units
State and worldTerritorial integrity and sovereignty; international peace

Conclusion

The Objectives Resolution of 1949 established the basic principles intended to guide Pakistan’s constitutional development: the sovereignty of Allah, government through elected representatives, Islamic principles, democracy, fundamental rights, minority protection, federalism and an independent judiciary. It remains an important part of Pakistan’s constitutional history because it sets out principles on the nature of the state and the rights and responsibilities of its people.
Practice questions
  1. When was the Objectives Resolution passed, and who moved it?
  2. State the main features of the Objectives Resolution.
  3. How did the Resolution protect the rights of minorities?
  4. What did the Resolution say about the federal system and the judiciary?
  5. Explain the importance of Article 2A.

References

  1. Mazhar-ul-Haq. Civics of Pakistan.
  2. Rabbani, M. Ikram. Pakistan Studies.
  3. The Objectives Resolution, 1949.
  4. The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, Article 2A.
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