Constitutions of Pakistan (1956, 1962, and 1973)

 

Here’s a comparison between the Constitutions of Pakistan (1956, 1962, and 1973), highlighting their key differences:

Feature

 

1956 Constitution

1962 Constitution

1973 Constitution

Type of Government

 

Parliamentary

Presidential

Parliamentary

Head of State

 

Governor-General replaced with President

President

President (largely ceremonial)

Head of Government

 

Prime Minister

President

Prime Minister

Legislative Structure

 

Unicameral (National Assembly)

Unicameral (National Assembly)

Bicameral (Senate and National Assembly)

Islamic Provisions

 

Pakistan declared Islamic Republic

Islamic provisions minimal initially, later added

Pakistan declared Islamic Republic with extensive Islamic provisions

Judiciary

 

Independence guaranteed

Subordinated to executive

Independence guaranteed

Provincial Autonomy

 

Strong provincial autonomy

Limited provincial autonomy

Strong provincial autonomy

Fundamental Rights

 

Detailed and included

Restricted initially, later expanded

Detailed and included

Emergency Powers

 

Limited powers to the executive

Extensive powers granted to the President

Limited and more balanced powers

Promulgation Date

 

23 March 1956

8 June 1962

14 August 1973

Suspension

 

Abrogated in 1958 (Martial Law)

Abrogated in 1969 (Martial Law)

Still in effect (amended multiple times)

Key Points:

  1. 1956 Constitution: First constitution of Pakistan; focused on parliamentary democracy and provincial autonomy. It was short-lived and abrogated due to the military coup in 1958.
  2. 1962 Constitution: Introduced by General Ayub Khan, it established a presidential system and reduced provincial powers. It emphasized centralized governance and faced criticism for undermining democracy.
  3. 1973 Constitution: Framed under the leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, it restored parliamentary democracy, expanded Islamic provisions, and provided for a federal structure with provincial autonomy. It remains the foundation of Pakistan’s legal framework, though it has been amended multiple times.

 

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