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Muhammad Ayub Khan abrogated the 1956 Constitution (The First Constitution of Pakistan)
and enforced Martial Law in the country in 1958. He became the head of the state. In the
1956 Constitution, A parliamentary form of government was introduced Where Prime
Minister is the head of the State.
As a new constitution was required to run the country, the 1962 constitution came into
existence which introduced the Presidential form of Government. But this form of
Government failed as the arose political crisis in the country which led to the abrogation of
the 1962 constitution.
The third constitution, the 1973 constitution, was enforced on the 14th of August 1973,
introducing a parliamentary form of Government. Here we are discussing the salient
features of the 1956 constitution of Pakistan.
2. Preamble:
The preamble of the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan was based on objectives
resolution.
4. Islamic Republic:
The 1956 Constitution of Pakistan provided that Pakistan is an Islamic Republic
Country.
6. Federalism:
Federalism was provided by the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan.
7. Checks and Balances:
Unlike the British practice, the President under the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan
was not a nominal head of state. A system of checks and balances was introduced in
the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan.
8. Fundamental Rights:
The 1956 Constitution of Pakistan also provided fundamental rights. The Supreme
Court was responsible for the enforcement and could declare any law or order as
null and void if it was against the fundamental rights.
9. Unicameralism:
The 1956 Constitution was unicameral. The Parliament consisted of only one house
which was known as National Assembly.