Constitutional Development (1947-73)
Pakistan's constitutions, political crises and the 1973 Constitution
Pakistan's constitutional history is marked by long delays, political crises, and military interventions.
Objectives Resolution (1949): First constitutional document. Declared Pakistan an Islamic state where sovereignty belongs to Allah. Became preamble of all constitutions.
Constitution of 1956: First constitution, 9 years after independence. Declared Pakistan an **Islamic Republic**. Used One-Unit scheme (West Pakistan as single unit vs East Pakistan). Lasted only 2 years — abrogated by General Ayub Khan's coup (1958).
Ayub Khan's Basic Democracies (1962 Constitution): Presidential system. Indirect elections — 80,000 Basic Democrats elected president. Strengthened central power. Removed by mass protests (1969). General Yahya Khan took over.
1971 Crisis: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League won 1970 elections but was denied power. Civil war in East Pakistan → Indian military intervention → **East Pakistan became Bangladesh (16 December 1971)**. Pakistan lost half its population and territory.
Constitution of 1973: Current constitution, unanimously adopted under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Key features:
- Federal parliamentary system — Prime Minister as chief executive
- Bicameral legislature (National Assembly + Senate)
- Islamic provisions (Islam as state religion, Islamic Council)
- Fundamental rights guaranteed
- 26th Amendment (2024) added judicial reforms
Key Points to Remember
- 1Objectives Resolution 1949: sovereignty belongs to Allah
- 21956 Constitution: first, lasted 2 years — Ayub's coup ended it
- 31971: East Pakistan became Bangladesh after civil war
- 41973 Constitution: parliamentary, bicameral, Islamic — still in force
Pakistan Example
The 1973 Constitution — Pakistan's Living Document
The 1973 Constitution, though amended over 26 times, remains Pakistan's governing document. Every AKU History student must know its key features: federal parliamentary system, Senate representing provinces equally, National Assembly representing population. When General Zia ul-Haq suspended it in 1977 and General Musharraf amended it in 2002, they highlighted the ongoing tension between constitutional government and military power in Pakistan.
Quick Revision Infographic
History of Pakistan — Quick Revision
Constitutional Development (1947-73)
Key Concepts
The 1973 Constitution — Pakistan's Living Document
The 1973 Constitution, though amended over 26 times, remains Pakistan's governing document. Every AKU History student must know its key features: federal parliamentary system, Senate representing provinces equally, National Assembly representing population. When General Zia ul-Haq suspended it in 1977 and General Musharraf amended it in 2002, they highlighted the ongoing tension between constitutional government and military power in Pakistan.