Name : Tehreem Asif
Part 3
Objective Resolution 1949
Introduction
The Objective Resolution of 1949 is one of the most significant
documents in the constitutional history of Pakistan. It laid down
the basic principles that were to guide the future Constitution
of the country. Presented by Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime
Minister of Pakistan, in the Constituent Assembly on 7th March
1949, and passed on 12th March 1949, the Resolution served as
a blueprint for Pakistan’s constitutional and ideological
framework. It combined the principles of Islam and democracy,
declaring that sovereignty belongs to Allah and authority is to
be exercised by the people within the limits prescribed by Him.
The Resolution later became the preamble of all the
Constitutions of Pakistan and was eventually made a
substantive part of the Constitution of 1973 under Article 2-A.
Background
After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the country faced the
challenge of framing its own Constitution that would reflect the
ideals of the Pakistan Movement. At that time, the Government
of India Act 1935 was being used as the interim Constitution,
but it did not express the Islamic character or objectives of the
new state. The people of Pakistan had struggled for a homeland
where they could live according to the teachings of Islam, so
there was a need for a constitutional declaration that
embodied those ideals. To fulfill this purpose, Liaquat Ali Khan
introduced the Objective Resolution in the Constituent
Assembly. It provided the ideological foundation for Pakistan’s
future Constitution and clarified that Pakistan would be a
democratic state rooted in Islamic principles.
Salient Features
1. Sovereignty Belongs to Allah
The Resolution declared that sovereignty over the entire
universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to
be exercised by the people of Pakistan is a sacred trust to be
carried out within the limits prescribed by Him. This statement
made it clear that Pakistan would not be a secular state but one
guided by the principles of Islam.
2. Authority through the Chosen Representatives
While acknowledging Allah’s sovereignty, the Resolution
affirmed that the people of Pakistan shall exercise authority
through their chosen representatives. This ensured that
Pakistan would be a democratic state, where the people would
elect their rulers through free and fair elections.
3. Islamic Principles of Democracy and Justice
The Resolution emphasized that democracy, freedom, equality,
tolerance, and social justice as enunciated by Islam would be
fully observed. It meant that the political and social system of
Pakistan would be based on Islamic teachings, ensuring justice
and equality for all citizens.
4. Rights of Minorities
It assured that minorities would have freedom to profess,
practice, and develop their religions and cultures. This provision
reflected the inclusive and tolerant spirit of Islam and
guaranteed protection of minority rights within an Islamic
framework.
5. Fundamental Rights and Independence of Judiciary
The Resolution guaranteed fundamental rights, including
equality before law, freedom of thought, expression, belief,
faith, worship, and association. It also recognized the
independence of the judiciary as essential for protecting these
rights and ensuring justice.
6. Federation and Unity of Pakistan
It declared that Pakistan would be a federal state, with its
constituent units enjoying autonomy within the limits of the
Constitution. This aimed to maintain national unity while giving
provinces sufficient self-government.
7. Promotion of Islamic Way of Life
The Resolution stated that the Muslims of Pakistan shall be
enabled to order their lives in accordance with the teachings of
Islam, as set out in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. This provision
laid the foundation for the Islamization of laws and policies in
the country.
8. Safeguarding National Interests and Security
The Objective Resolution emphasized that Pakistan’s
constitution and governance should ensure the protection of
national interests, integrity, and security. It implied that the
future state structure must work toward maintaining the unity
and independence of the country, safeguarding it from both
internal and external threats.
9. Promotion of Social, Economic, and Political Justice
Another important feature of the Resolution was its
commitment to social, economic, and political justice. It called
for the establishment of a system that would eliminate
exploitation and inequality, ensuring a fair distribution of
wealth and opportunities in accordance with Islamic principles
of justice and welfare.
10. Equality of Citizens
The Resolution guaranteed that all citizens of Pakistan would be
equal before law, irrespective of their race, religion, caste, or
gender. This feature reflected the spirit of equality promoted
by Islam and laid the foundation for the protection of human
rights in the Constitution.
11. Strengthening of Muslim Unity and Brotherhood
It emphasized the unity of the Muslim Ummah and expressed
Pakistan’s desire to contribute to the solidarity of the Muslim
world. This feature highlighted Pakistan’s identity as not just a
political state, but also a part of the larger Islamic community,
aiming to strengthen ties with other Muslim countries.
12. Preservation of Democratic Ideals
The Resolution reaffirmed that Pakistan would function as a
democratic state, where the government would be responsible
to the people. It combined Islamic principles with modern
democracy, ensuring that future governments would be
accountable and guided by moral and ethical values.
13. Guidance for Future Constitutions
A key feature of the Objective Resolution was that it served as
the guiding spirit for all future constitutions of Pakistan. Every
constitutional framework after 1949 was expected to conform
to the principles laid down in this Resolution, making it the
cornerstone of Pakistan’s constitutional development.
14. Inspiration for Islamic Legislation
The Resolution laid down the principle that laws in Pakistan
should be framed in accordance with Islamic teachings. This
inspired the introduction of Islamic provisions in later
constitutions, such as the creation of the Council of Islamic
Ideology and steps toward Islamization of laws under the 1973
Constitution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Objective Resolution of 1949 laid the
ideological and constitutional foundation of Pakistan. It defined
Pakistan as a state based on Islamic principles while ensuring
democracy and equal rights for all citizens, including minorities.
It became the preamble to all Pakistani constitutions and was
given permanent constitutional status in Article 2-A of the 1973
Constitution. The Resolution remains a cornerstone of
Pakistan’s constitutional philosophy, symbolizing the vision of
the founders to create a democratic and Islamic state.