TLDR;
This lecture examines the Objectives Resolution of March 1949 in Pakistan's history. It discusses the establishment and functions of the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, the key principles and provisions of the Objectives Resolution, and the explanation and importance of these principles in shaping Pakistan's constitution-making process. The resolution served as a foundational document, setting parameters, identifying goals, and reflecting the aspirations for Pakistan's political system.
- The first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, established under the Indian Independence Act of 1947, played a crucial role in passing the Objectives Resolution.
- The Objectives Resolution, moved by Liaquat Ali Khan, outlined key principles such as the sovereignty of Allah, the exercise of state power through representatives, and the protection of minority rights.
- The resolution aimed to combine modern notions of state governance with Islamic principles, emphasizing democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and social justice as enunciated in Islam.
First Constituent Assembly of Pakistan [1:07]
The first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was instrumental in passing the Objectives Resolution of 1949. It was formed under the Indian Independence Act of 1947, with roots tracing back to the 1946 elections for the Constituent Assembly of British India. The Muslim League initially didn't participate, demanding a separate assembly for Pakistan. After the June 3rd plan in 1947, the assembly was formed with members from districts that became part of Pakistan. Originally with 69 members, it grew to 79 to include representatives from princely states and migrants from India. The assembly had two main political parties: the Muslim League and the Congress party, primarily from East Bengal. It performed dual functions: constitution making and ordinary lawmaking, acting as both the Constituent Assembly and the legislative assembly. This assembly remained in office for over seven years until it was dissolved in October 1954.
Objectives Resolution of March 1949 [6:59]
The Objectives Resolution is the foundational constitutional document that set the parameters, goals, and objectives for Pakistan's constitution makers. Moved by Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, it was debated extensively over five sessions and adopted on March 12, 1949. The resolution outlines key principles, including the sovereignty of Allah, the state's exercise of power as a sacred trust through the people's representatives, and the framing of a constitution for a sovereign, independent Pakistan. It emphasizes democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and social justice as presented by Islam. The resolution also ensures the protection of minority rights, safeguards the interests of backward and depressed classes, and establishes Pakistan as a federation with autonomous units. It includes measures to protect state sovereignty and territorial integrity, aiming for Pakistan to prosper and contribute to international peace and progress.
Main Principles of the Objectives Resolution [15:02]
The Objectives Resolution outlines 11 key principles that serve as guidelines for constitution making in Pakistan. These principles reflect the aspirations and goals for Pakistan's political system. The first principle establishes that sovereignty belongs to Almighty Allah alone. The second principle extends this, stating that the authority delegated to the state of Pakistan is a sacred trust to be exercised within the limits prescribed by Allah. The constitution will be framed for a sovereign, independent Pakistan, with the state exercising power through the representatives of the people. The resolution emphasizes democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and social justice as enunciated by Islam. It enables Muslims to organize their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, while also providing freedom for minorities to profess and practice their religions and develop their cultures. Provisions are included for safeguarding the legitimate interests of minorities, backward, and depressed classes. Pakistan will be a federation with autonomous units, with measures to protect state sovereignty and territorial integrity. The resolution aims to provide opportunities for the people of Pakistan to prosper and contribute to international peace and progress.
Explanation of the Principles [16:29]
The Objectives Resolution's principles are explained in detail, starting with the primary feature that sovereignty belongs to Almighty Allah, a concept distinct from Western democracy where sovereignty belongs to the people. This principle is incorporated in all of Pakistan's constitutions. The power exercised by the state is a sacred trust, functioning within the limits prescribed by Allah. The resolution provides for a democratic and representative system, with power exercised through elected representatives. It stresses the importance of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and social justice, combining modern governance notions with Islamic principles. The resolution emphasizes the enabling role of the state in facilitating Muslims to lead their lives according to Islamic teachings without coercion. It also addresses the rights of minorities, providing freedom to profess and practice their religions and promote their cultures, while showing concern for the backward and depressed classes. The federal structure of government ensures autonomy for provinces, reflecting the Muslim League's historical demand for a federal system with provincial autonomy. The protection of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity is also emphasized as a primary function of the government.
Objections and Importance of the Objectives Resolution [38:32]
The Objectives Resolution faced objections from non-Muslim members who feared mixing religion with politics and questioned the concept of God's sovereignty. These concerns were debated, with explanations that Islam's principles are integral to Pakistan's identity and that sovereignty of God does not imply a theocratic state. The resolution's framers clarified that authority would be exercised through elected representatives within the limits of the Quran and Sunnah. The resolution is a foundational document for constitution making in Pakistan, emphasizing Islam's centrality to political, social, and constitutional life. It links the pre-independence struggle with the post-independence framework, with Muslim leaders aiming for a modern state incorporating Islamic ideals. All Pakistani constitutions are based on the Objectives Resolution, which was incorporated into the constitution as Article 2A during General Zia-ul-Haq's time.