Objective Resolution of Pakistan
Introduction
The Objective Resolution is a historic document that laid down the
guiding principles of Pakistan’s Constitution. It was presented in the
Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on 7 March 1949 by Prime Minister
Liaquat Ali Khan and passed by majority on 12 March.
Background
• After Pakistan’s independence on 14 August 1947, the country
needed a legal framework for governance.
• Quaid-e-Azam had emphasized the importance of combining Islamic
values with democracy, justice, and fundamental rights.
• After his death in September 1948, the Constituent Assembly
began drafting the constitution of Pakistan, and the Objective
Resolution became the foundation for all future constitutions.
Key Points of the Objective Resolution
• Sovereignty of Allah
• The resolution declared that sovereignty over the entire
universe belongs to Allah, and the authority of the state is a
sacred trust to be exercised according to His guidance.
• Democracy and Parliamentary System
• Pakistan would adopt a democratic system.
• Citizens have the right to elect representatives, and laws are
made according to majority will while respecting Islamic
principles.
• Fundamental Rights of Citizens
• All citizens, regardless of religion, caste, or creed, are
guaranteed equality, freedom of speech, and protection of
life and property.
• Islamic Principles in Governance
• All laws and policies would be consistent with Islamic
teachings.
• Pakistan is an Islamic state, but it respects justice, fairness,
and rule of law.
• Protection of Minorities
• Religious and other minorities have the freedom to practice
their religion.
• Their rights and properties must be fully protected.
• Economic and Social Justice
• The resolution emphasized elimination of exploitation and
promotion of welfare.
• All citizens should have equal opportunities in education,
employment, and governance.
Importance of the Objective Resolution
• Foundation of Pakistan’s Constitution
• The Objective Resolution became the first step in making
Pakistan’s Constitution.
• All later constitutions, including the 1956, 1962, and 1973
Constitutions, were based on its principles.
• Guidance for Governance
• The Objective Resolution became a philosophical and legal
guideline for Pakistan’s governance.
• It influenced all laws and policies of the country in the future.
Connection to Quaid-e-Azam’s Vision
• Quaid-e-Azam had always emphasized:
• Pakistan must be an Islamic state
• It must guarantee democracy, justice, and equality
• Minorities should be protected and respected
• The Objective Resolution reflected his vision, even though he had
passed away by 1949.
• In this way, the Resolution became the spiritual and legal
embodiment of Quaid-e-Azam’s ideals.
Conclusion
The Objective Resolution of 12 March 1949 is one of the most
important documents in Pakistan’s history. It laid the foundation of the
Constitution, combined Islamic values with democracy, and guaranteed
fundamental rights and minority protection.
It is considered the guiding principle for Pakistan’s governance and a
symbol of Quaid-e-Azam’s vision for a just and Islamic society.
Role of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the
Pakistan Movement
Biography of Quaid-e-Azam
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born on 25 December 1876 in
Karachi. His father’s name was Jinnah Poonja, and his mother was
Mithibai. Jinnah received his early education in Karachi and later went to
Bombay for further studies. He attended several schools and finally
completed his education at the Christian Missionary Society High School.
In 1893, Jinnah went to England to study law and joined Lincoln’s Inn,
London. In 1895, at the age of 19, he became the youngest Indian to be
called to the Bar in England. He returned to India and started his legal
practice in Bombay, quickly gaining fame for his honesty, intelligence, and
ability in law.
Initially, Jinnah joined the Indian National Congress and worked for Hindu-
Muslim unity. However, he later realized that Muslims were politically
ignored, and he dedicated his life to the All India Muslim League and the
protection of Muslim rights.
Role of Quaid-e-Azam in the Pakistan Movement
1913 – Joining the Muslim League:
Jinnah joined the All India Muslim League in 1913. From this time, he
began working for Muslim political, educational, and social rights. He also
tried to maintain Hindu-Muslim unity through constitutional means.
1916 – Lucknow Pact:
Quaid-e-Azam played a key role in the Lucknow Pact between Congress
and the Muslim League. This historic agreement recognized Muslims as a
separate political community and strengthened their political position in
India.
1919 – Resignation over Rowlatt Act:
In protest against the Rowlatt Act, which gave the British government
unlimited powers and suppressed civil liberties, Jinnah resigned from the
Imperial Legislative Council. This showed his commitment to constitutional
struggle and justice.
1920 – Leaving Congress:
Due to differences with Mahatma Gandhi and his non-cooperation
movement, Jinnah resigned from the Indian National Congress and
focused entirely on the Muslim cause. He believed that Muslims needed
their own political voice.
1928–1929 – Fourteen Points:
The Nehru Report ignored Muslim demands. Jinnah rejected it and, in
1929, presented his famous Fourteen Points. These points became the
basis for protecting Muslim political rights in a future India.
1930 – Round Table Conferences:
Jinnah represented Indian Muslims at the Round Table Conferences in
London. He defended Muslim interests and demanded constitutional
safeguards for their protection.
1934 – Reorganization of Muslim League:
After returning from England, Jinnah reorganized the All India Muslim
League, turning it into a mass political party. He united Muslims under its
leadership to fight for their rights.
1937 – Congress Rule:
When the Congress formed ministries in several provinces, Muslims faced
discrimination. Jinnah exposed these injustices and strengthened the
Muslim League as the true representative of Muslim political aspirations.
1940 – Lahore Resolution:
On 23 March 1940, under Jinnah’s leadership, the Lahore Resolution was
passed. It demanded a separate homeland for Muslims in the north-
western areas of India. This resolution became the formal basis for the
creation of Pakistan.
1946 – Elections and Direct Action:
The Muslim League won a landslide victory in Muslim constituencies. On
16 August 1946, Direct Action Day was observed to press the demand for
Pakistan. Jinnah’s leadership proved that Muslims were united and
determined.
1947 – Creation of Pakistan:
Due to Jinnah’s tireless struggle, political wisdom, and negotiation skills,
Pakistan was created on 14 August 1947. Quaid-e-Azam became the first
Governor-General of Pakistan, guiding the new country through its early
challenges.
Conclusion
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the architect and leader of the
Pakistan Movement. Through his legal expertise, political vision, and strong
leadership, he united Muslims and achieved a separate homeland for them.
He is rightly called Quaid-e-Azam, the Founder of Pakistan, and remains
the greatest leader of the Muslims of the subcontinent.
Role of Allama Muhammad Iqbal in the Pakistan
Movement
Biography of Allama Muhammad Iqbal
Allama Muhammad Iqbal was born on 9 November 1877 in Sialkot. His
father, Sheikh Noor Muhammad, was a simple and religious man. Iqbal
received his early education at home, learning Persian, Arabic, and Islamic
studies. Later, he enrolled at Government College Lahore, where he
excelled in both philosophy and literature.
In 1905, Iqbal went to England for higher studies, where he studied law
and later went to Germany, earning a PhD in philosophy. After returning to
India, he became a teacher at Government College and also practiced law.
He used his poetry and speeches to awaken Muslims, teaching them to be
proud of their religion, culture, and history.
Iqbal was not only a poet and thinker but also a philosopher and political
leader. Through his writings, he inspired Muslims to unite and seek a
separate homeland where they could freely practice their religion and
preserve their identity.
Role of Allama Iqbal in the Pakistan Movement
1908–1920 – Early Political Awakening:
After returning from Europe, Iqbal wrote poetry that encouraged Muslims to
strengthen their Khudi (self-respect), unity, and spiritual power. His early
works created awareness among Muslims about their backwardness and
the need for education and political consciousness.
1926 – Punjab Legislative Council:
Allama Iqbal was elected as a member of the Punjab Legislative Council.
In this role, he worked for the educational, social, and political rights of
Muslims in India. He strongly opposed policies that ignored Muslim
interests and emphasized the importance of self-reliance.
1930 – Allahabad Address:
In December 1930, at the annual session of the All India Muslim League,
Allama Iqbal delivered the historic Allahabad Address. In this speech, he
proposed that the Muslims of India should have a separate homeland in the
north-western regions. He emphasized that Hindus and Muslims were two
distinct nations with different religions, cultures, and political needs. This
speech is considered the ideological foundation of Pakistan.
1931–1932 – Round Table Conferences:
Iqbal participated in the Round Table Conferences in London,
representing Indian Muslims. He defended Muslim political rights and
demanded constitutional safeguards for the Muslim minority in India. These
efforts strengthened the position of Muslims in Indian politics.
1934–1937 – Letters to Quaid-e-Azam:
Allama Iqbal corresponded with Muhammad Ali Jinnah, encouraging him
to lead the Muslims politically. In these letters, he emphasized that only a
separate state could guarantee the political and religious freedom of
Muslims. His advice greatly influenced Jinnah’s leadership of the Muslim
League.
1938 – Death:
Allama Muhammad Iqbal passed away on 21 April 1938. Although he did
not live to see Pakistan, his ideas continued to inspire the Muslim League
and its leadership. His poetry and philosophy gave vision, direction, and
purpose to the Pakistan Movement.
Conclusion
Allama Iqbal provided the ideological and spiritual foundation for the
Pakistan Movement. Through his poetry, speeches, and political work, he
awakened Muslims and guided them toward the idea of a separate
homeland. He is therefore rightly called the Ideological Father of
Pakistan, and his vision played a key role in the creation of Pakistan in
1947.
Role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in the Pakistan Movement
Biography
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was born on 17 October 1817 in Delhi. He came
from a respected and educated Muslim family. He received his early
education at home and later studied Persian, Arabic, and modern subjects.
After completing his studies, he joined the East India Company as a
government officer and served in various departments. Through his work,
he observed the decline of Muslims in education, politics, and social status.
After the War of Independence of 1857, Sir Syed realized that Muslims
had lost power and influence. They were educationally and socially
backward compared to Hindus. Sir Syed decided to devote his life to the
uplift of Muslims through education, social reform, and political
awareness.
Role in the Pakistan Movement
1857 – After the War of Independence:
Muslims were wrongly blamed for the revolt and punished by the British. Sir
Syed worked to remove misunderstandings and rebuild trust between
Muslims and the British government. He believed that peace and education
were necessary for Muslim progress.
1858–1860 – Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind:
Sir Syed wrote the book “Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind”. In it, he explained
that Muslims were not solely responsible for the 1857 revolt. This book
helped improve the image of Muslims and encouraged them to adopt
modern education.
1864 – Scientific Society:
He founded the Scientific Society to translate European scientific and
literary works into Urdu. This helped Muslims understand modern science
and technology. It also encouraged Muslims to value education and
knowledge in practical life.
1875 – Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (MAO College):
Sir Syed established the MAO College at Aligarh, which later became
Aligarh Muslim University. This institution produced leaders who later
guided Muslims politically and intellectually. Education at MAO College
helped Muslims compete with other communities.
1886 – Muhammadan Educational Conference:
Sir Syed established the All India Muhammadan Educational
Conference to spread modern education among Muslims. The conference
encouraged Muslims to pursue studies in science, law, and politics. It also
promoted political awareness among educated Muslims.
Political Views and Two-Nation Theory:
Sir Syed advised Muslims to avoid joining the Indian National Congress
because he felt Hindus and Muslims were separate nations with different
religions, cultures, and social practices. His ideas formed the basis of the
Two-Nation Theory, which later became the guiding principle of the
Pakistan Movement.
Conclusion
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan prepared Muslims for modern education, leadership,
and politics. His Aligarh Movement helped Muslims regain confidence and
awareness. Without his services, the Pakistan Movement could not have
succeeded. He is therefore called the founder of modern Muslim
education in India and a forerunner of the Pakistan Movement.
Ideology of Pakistan
• Two-Nation Theory
• Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations with different
religion, culture, and social customs.
• Pakistan was created as a separate homeland for Muslims.
• Islamic Principles
• Pakistan is based on Islamic teachings.
• Laws and governance should follow Islamic values.
• Democracy
• Pakistan guarantees citizens’ rights and equality before law.
• People have the right to elect representatives.
• Justice and Welfare
• Pakistan promotes social, economic, and political justice.
• Elimination of exploitation and equal opportunities for all.
• Protection of Minorities
• Religious minorities have freedom of religion and equal rights.
• Ensures peaceful coexistence in the country.
• Political Freedom and Sovereignty
• Muslims gained sovereignty to live according to their beliefs.
• Pakistan provided political independence and self-rule.
• Foundation of Pakistan Movement
• Ideology is based on Two-Nation Theory, Allama Iqbal’s
vision, and Quaid-e-Azam’s leadership.
• Guided the creation of Pakistan in 1947