The first big step in the framing of a constitution for Pakistan was taken by the ConstituentAssembly on 12 March 1949, when it passed a resolution on the 'Aims and Objectives of theConstitution', popularly known as theObjectives Resolution. It laid the foundation of theconstitution and indicated the broad outline of its structure. The resolution was moved byLiaquat Ali Khan,the first Prime Minister of Pakistan.
While moving the Resolution, he said:
"Sir, I consider this to be a most important occasion in the life of this country, next in importance only tothe achievement of independence, because by achieving independence we only won an opportunity of building up a country and its polity in accordance with our ideals. I would like to remind the house thatthe Father of the Nation,Quaid-i-Azam, gave expression of his feelings on this matter on many anoccasion, and his views were endorsed by the nation in unmistakable terms, Pakistan was founded because theMuslimsof thissub-continentwanted to build up their lives in accordance with the teachings
and traditions of Islam,because they wanted to demonstrate to the world that Islam provides a panacea tothe many diseases which have crept into the life of humanity today."
The resolution was debated for five days. The leading members of the government and a largenumber of non-Muslim members, especially fromEast Bengal, took a prominent part.Below is the text of the Objectives Resolution:
Whereas sovereignty over the entire universe belongs to Allah Almighty alone and the authority which Hehas delegated to the State of Pakistan, through its people for being exercised within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust; This Constituent Assembly representing the people of Pakistan resolves to framea Constitution for the sovereign independent State of Pakistan; Wherein the State shall exercise its powersand authority through the chosen representatives of the people; Wherein the principles of democracy,freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice as enunciated by Islam shall be fully observed; Wherein theMuslims shall be enabled to order their lives in the individual and collective spheres in accordance withthe teachings and requirements of Islam as set out in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah; Wherein adequate provision shall be made for the minorities to profess and practice their religions and develop their cultures; Wherein the territories now included in or in accession with Pakistan and such other territoriesas may hereafter be included in or accede to Pakistan shall form a Federation wherein the units will beautonomous with such boundaries and limitations on their powers and authority as may be prescribed;Wherein shall be guaranteed fundamental rights including equality of status, of opportunity and beforelaw, social, economic and political justice, and freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship andassociation, subject to law and public morality; Wherein adequate provisions shall be made to safeguardthe legitimate interests of minorities and backward and depressed classes; Wherein the independence of the Judiciary shall be fully secured; Wherein the integrity of the territories of the Federation, itsindependence and all its rights including its sovereign rights on land, sea and air shall be safeguarded; Sothat the people of Pakistan may prosper and attain their rightful and honored place amongst the nations of the World and make their full contribution towards international peace and progress and happiness of humanity.
The Constitution of 1956
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