Objectives Resolution of 1949:
It was felt necessary that before the constitution was drafted, the principles and ideals on which it
was to be based, and which were to guide its makers in their great task, must first be clearly defined.
For this purpose, on March 12, 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted a resolution, moved by
Liaquat Ali Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, called the Objectives Resolution. It proclaimed that
the future Constitution of Pakistan would be modeled on the ideology and democratic faith of
Islam, in as much as the Holy Quran is the only true guide to man, both in his private and public
life, in social and political affairs. The principles and ideals proclaimed in it are as below:
1. Sovereignty: Sovereignty belongs to Allah Almighty alone; but He has delegated it to the State
of Pakistan through its people, to be exercised as a sacred trust within the limits prescribed by
the Quran and Sunnah.
2. Representation: The State shall exercise its powers and authority through the chosen
representatives of the people.
3. Social Justice: The principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice as
enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed.
4. Lives of Muslims: Muslims shall be enabled to order their lives in the individual and collective
spheres in accord with the teachings and requirements of Islam, as set out in the Holy Quran
and Sunnah.
5. Minority Rights: Adequate provision shall be made for the minorities to profess, propagate
and practice their religions, develop their cultures, and safeguards their legitimate interests.
Importance of Objectives Resolution:
The Objectives Resolution is one of the important and illuminating document in the constitutional
history of Pakistan. At the time of moving it, Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan called it most important
occasion in the life of this country, next in importance only to the achievement of independence.
The importance of this document lies in the fact that it combines the good features of the Western
and Islamic democracy. It proclaims the Islamic constitutional principle of the sovereignty of
Allah, and combines it with the modern doctrine of popular sovereignty. In the democratic Islamic
State of Pakistan, the Muslims will order their lives in accordance with Islamic teaching.
Nevertheless, the non-Muslim minorities of Pakistan shall be guaranteed full rights of freedom of
religion, worship and culture, especially because Islamic faith itself teaches a generous and just
treatment of religious minorities. Lastly, the principle of the independence of judiciary is also
asserted. In view of its basic principles, the Objectives Resolution may be regarded as the beacon-
light which guided the framers of our constitution in their supreme but arduous task. It proclaimed
that in the present day world of warring ideologies, the Islamic State of Pakistan would be a heaven
of peace, democracy and progress, and that Pakistan would be a democracy not only in political
but also in social and economic sense.
STEPS TOWARDS ISLAMIZATION BY GOVERNMENTS
Pakistan is an ideological state which was founded so that the Muslims would lead their lives
according to the principles of Islam. All the laws made and implemented in this country have been
designed keeping in view the teachings of Holy Quran and Sunnah.
Quaid said:
It is my belief that our saluation lies in following the golden rules of conduct set for us by our
great law given by the Prophet of Islam. Let us lay the foundation of our democracy on the
basis of truly Islamic ideals and principles. Our Almighty Allah taught us that the decisions
in the affairs shall be guided by discussing and consultation.
All the constitutions that have been implemented in our country (1956, 1965 and 1973) have all
contained Islamic Provisions. To accomplish these provisions, the Government of Pakistan has
taken the following steps to introduce Islamic Laws in the Country.
1. Hadood Ordinance
It was promulgated in the country in 1977. In the light of Hadood Ordinance different punishments
were prescribed for various crimes. The word Hadood means the punishment which has been
prescribed in the light of Holy Quran. According to the Hadood Ordinance, manufacture, export,
import and use of alcohols was considered as a crime. Any person found guilty will be liable of
the punishment of 30 lashes and 5 years imprisonment.
The second Hadood Law is concerned with the crime of theft. The third Hadood law is meant for
adultery and rape (Zina-bil-Jabr) whose punishment is stoning the adulter to death.
2. Zakat and Ushr Ordinance
Zakat and Ushr Ordinance was promulgated in the country of June 20, 1980. According to this
ordinance, a Zakat Fund will be established to collect all sorts of gifts and it will be compulsory
for every Sahib-e-Nisab Muslim to pay Zakat by deducting it from his/her account in the bank.
Ushr is the tax levied on yield of agriculture land in cash or kind. According to this ordinance,
every owner who ploughs and cultivates land is bound to deposit 10% of his earning in cash or
kind as Ushr.
3. Establishment of Federal Shariat Courts
It is a highly important step undertaken by the Government. This courts decides various issues
brought before it in the light of Holy Quran and Sunnah. Any citizen can challenge any law of the
country in the Shariat Court where he has to prove that a certaining law is against the injunction
of Islam and therefore be declared as unliable.
4. Interest-Free Banking
On January 1981, the interest-free banking system was introduced in Pakistan. According to this
system, the account holder becomes the partner with the bank in its profit or loss and shares it
according to his investment in the bank.
5. Teaching of Islamiat and Pakistan Studies
In the light of University Grants Commission all Universities of Pakistan and boards of Education
have been given instructions to introduce Islamiat and Pakistan Studies as a compulsory subject in
intermediate, degree and post graduate classes so that the system of Education should become
compatible to the Ideology of Pakistan.
6. Establishment of Islamic University
Shariat faculties have been established in various universities for the promotion of Islamic
teachings. The function of Jamia Islamia Bahawalpur has been streamlined and an Islamic
University has been established in Islamabad.
7. New Education Policy
In April 1979, a new education policy was made on the basis of Islamic concepts and the Ideology
of Pakistan. In the light of the new policy, women universities will be set up in Lahore and Karachi.
8. Unislamic Literature
A ban has been put on the printing, distribution and sale of all kinds of literature which is likely to
propagate against the ideology of Pakistan or to give rise to provincial, lingual or sectorial
prejudice.
9. Nizam-e-Salat and Arrangement of Azan
Nizam-e-Salat was promulgated by which it was intended to persuate the general people and the
employee's of the Government offices to pray five times a day. Also, arrangements for Azan on
radio and Television were made.
Conclusion:
The above steps taken by the Government towards Islamization in the country will vertainly lead
the nation to progress and prosperity within the limits prescribed by the Holy Quran and Sunnah.