PAKISTAN STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 11th & 12th

Chapter # 2 – Constitutional Development in Pakistan

2.2.11. Evaluate the Steps Taken Towards Islamization in Pakistan with Reference to 1956, 1962 and 1973 Constitutions.

The Constitution of Pakistan has undergone several amendments since its inception in 1956, with significant changes related to Islamization introduced in 1962 and 1973.

1956 Constitution:

• The constitution declared Pakistan as an Islamic republic but did not provide specific provisions for the implementation of Islamic law.
• The constitution provided for a parliamentary system of government, with Islamic principles influencing legislation and governance to a moderate extent.
• It introduced the concept of the Objectives Resolution of 1949 into the preamble, emphasizing the Islamic identity of the state.

1962 Constitution:

• The 1962 Constitution introduced significant changes, including:
  • The declaration that Pakistan was an Islamic state.
  • The establishment of an Advisory Council of Islamic Ideology to advise the government on Islamic matters.
  • The introduction of the Objectives Resolution, which outlined the basic principles of an Islamic state.

1973 Constitution:

• The 1973 Constitution further strengthened the role of Islam in the state:
  • The 1973 Constitution marked a significant milestone in Islamization efforts in Pakistan.
  • It declared that all laws must be in accordance with the injunctions of Islam.
  • It established the Federal Shariat Court to ensure the conformity of laws with Islamic principles.
  • It explicitly declared Islam as the state religion and mandated that laws be brought into conformity with Islamic teachings.
  • The constitution provided for the establishment of a Federal Shariat Court to ensure that legislation adhered to Islamic principles.
  • The 1973 Constitution introduced religious oaths for officeholders and established bodies like the Council of Islamic Ideology to ensure adherence to Islamic laws.
  • It also introduced the concept of the Objectives Resolution of 1949 into the preamble, emphasizing the Islamic identity of the state.
  • Furthermore, the definition of a Muslim was provided, and specific provisions were made to regulate matters related to personal law and religious affairs.

These constitutional changes reflect the increasing emphasis on Islamization in Pakistan over time and the efforts to align the country’s legal and political framework with Islamic principles.