PAKISTAN STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 11th & 12th

Chapter # 2 – Constitutional Development in Pakistan

2.2.6. Discuss the Reasons that Led to the Failure of the 1956 Constitution.

Background
Upon gaining independence, Pakistan initially adopted the Government of India Act 1935 with certain amendments as its temporary constitution. However, it wasn’t until nine years after independence that Pakistan formulated its first constitution, which came into effect on March 23, 1956. In contrast, India established its constitution in 1950, merely three years after gaining independence. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s 1956 constitution was short-lived, as President Iskandar Mirza abrogated it and imposed Martial Law in 1958, just two years after its enactment.

1. Political Instability: Pakistan faced significant political instability during this period, with frequent changes in government and leadership. This instability led to a lack of consensus and cooperation in implementing and upholding the constitution.

2. Lack of Effective Leadership :One of the primary reasons for the failure of the 1956 constitution was the absence of strong and visionary political leadership. Following the demise of figures like Jinnah and Liaquat Ali, Pakistan lacked leaders of international stature who could effectively steer the country’s political course.

3. Ineffective Role of Political Parties: The functioning of democratic systems relies heavily on the effective functioning of political parties to represent public opinion. However, during this period, political parties failed to effectively educate and shape public opinion, diminishing their role in governance.

4. Struggle for Power: The struggle for power between the head of state and the legislature, particularly President Iskander Mirza’s excessive interference in legislative affairs, contributed to the instability and eventual failure of the constitution.

5. Regional Disparities: The constitution failed to address the significant regional disparities between East and West Pakistan. East Pakistan felt marginalized and underrepresented in the central government, leading to tensions and ultimately the secession of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

6. Language Controversy: The decision to designate Urdu as the sole national language sparked protests and unrest, particularly in East Pakistan where Bengali was widely spoken. This language controversy further exacerbated tensions between the two wings of the country.

7. Military Intervention: The military’s increasing involvement in politics and governance undermined the constitutional framework. Military coups and interventions disrupted the democratic process and eroded the rule of law, contributing to the failure of the constitution.

8. The opposition of One Unit Formula: The 1956 constitution introduced the One-Unit Formula, which was first proposed by Ch. Muhammad Ali’s government in 1954. Under this formula, the four provinces of West Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh, NWFP, and Balochistan) were merged into a single administrative unit. Politicians from West Pakistan opposed the One-Unit Formula, leading to protests both within and outside the assembly. These protests intensified the already turbulent political environment and exacerbated law and order issues in West Pakistan.

9. Socio-Economic Disparities: Under the premiership of Feroz Khan Noon, rampant inflation worsened socio-economic disparities, with wealth becoming increasingly concentrated among the rich while impoverishing the poor. This economic inequality further destabilized the country.

10. Unicameral Legislative System: The adoption of a unicameral legislative system in the 1956 constitution also contributed to its downfall, as it limited the checks and balances necessary for effective governance.

11. Absence of Rule of Law: Instead of a robust rule of law, the country was governed by the whims of individuals, undermining the constitutional framework, and exacerbating instability.

Conclusion
The failure of the 1956 constitution in Pakistan can be attributed to several key factors. Primarily, the absence of strong leadership post-Jinnah and Liaquat Ali weakened governance. Political parties were disorganized and ineffective in representing public opinion. Struggles for power between the head of state and the legislature, along with socio-economic disparities, exacerbated instability. The adoption of a unicameral legislative system and the curtailment of provincial autonomy added to governance challenges. Furthermore, the lack of a robust rule of law allowed personal interests to prevail over institutional frameworks, deepening instability. These issues highlight the importance of strong leadership, effective institutions, and inclusive governance for the success of democratic systems.