The unanimous adoption of the 1973 constitution marks a significant milestone in the country’s turbulent history. The Constitution of 1973 protects the citizens of Pakistan but Pakistanis are largely unaware of their rights covered by the Constitution. Therefore, it must be understood and comprehended to ensure that it is put into effect for the well-being of Pakistani citizens.
This was emphasized by Prof Dr Fakhrul Islam, director Research & Academic Outreach, Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), while delivering a lecture to undergraduate students of social sciences on “The 1973 Constitution: How is it different from previous Constitutions?” at Bahria University, Islamabad Campus, on June 01, 2023.
Every citizen must acquire knowledge of the Constitution, particularly the rights covered in the chapter of Fundamental Rights of Citizens. While sharing the results of a decades-old survey, he mentioned that people, particularly women, are massively unaware of their rights granted by the Constitution. He said that it is a problem that the trend has not changed and people still are unaware of it.
The constitution is like a user manual of the state that defines and explains how different organs of the state work. Unfortunately, Pakistan had been administered by mini constitutions like the 1947 Provisional Constitution, the LFO 1999 and 2007, etc. Even the Constitutions of 1956 and 1962 were lacking in many aspects.
In this regard, the 1973 Constitution is unique in itself and different from the previous Constitutions of 1956 and 1962 as it was drafted and passed by a popularly elected government and all parties of Pakistan have representation in the assembly in its making. Moreover, it introduced a first-ever bicameral legislature, adult franchise, president-prime minister power balance, fundamental rights and Principles of Policy, and a strong federation to avoid occurrences like the separation of East Pakistan.
Having said that, he mentioned that the Constitution has also adopted a protective mechanism against its dissolution as a Constitution is meant to be in place for centuries. As 2023 marks 50 years of the Constitution, it is the duty of Pakistani citizens to fully understand it and work towards ensuring that it is properly implemented so that it may fulfill the purposes for which it was created.
