Constitutional Development of Pakistan (1956-1962) – Key Islamic Provisions and Structural Features

Vocabulary flashcards covering key Islamic provisions and constitutional features from Pakistan’s constitutional development in the 1950s and 1960s.

Steps to enable Muslims in Pakistan to organize individual and collective lives according to the fundamental principles and basic concepts of Islam.

Promotion of Islamic Principles

Islamic Compatibility of Laws

No law shall contradict the Qur'an and Sunnah; existing laws must be aligned with Qur'an and Sunnah.

Eligibility of President

Under the constitution, the President must be a Muslim.

Compulsory Teaching of Quran and Islam

Education of the Qur'an and Islam was mandatory for Muslims.

Organization of Zakat, Waqf, and Masajid

The state would properly manage the institutions of Zakat, Waqf, and Masajid.

Elimination of non-Islamic practices

Practices contrary to Islamic teaching (e.g., gambling, prostitution, intimidation) would be eliminated from society.

Islamic Advisory Council

An Advisory Council of Islamic Ideology proposed to guide the legislature and promote living according to Islamic principles.

Islamic Research Institute

An institute established to conduct Islamic research and help rebuild Muslim society on true Islamic principles.

Written Constitution

A written constitution with 250 articles organized into 12 parts and 3 schedules.

Rigid Constitution

Amendments require at least a two-thirds parliamentary majority and the President's authentication.

Unicameral National Assembly

A single-chamber legislature; initial 156 members, later 218 and 313; elected by Basic Democrats; some seats reserved for women; legislated for central subjects.

Presidential Form of Government

Executive powers rested with the President; he was the constitutional head of government and state.

Federal System

A federal system with a central government and two provinces (East and West Pakistan); the center could intervene in provincial matters when necessary.

Two Provincial Governments

Two provincial governments, each headed by a governor with powers similar to the federal President; governors could appoint provincial ministers with approval.

Validation of Laws Act 1955

Act passed by the second Constituent Assembly to validate laws and facilitate the unification of West Pakistan into One Unit.

One Unit

Unification of West Pakistan into a single administrative unit.

Second Constituent Assembly

80-member assembly indirectly elected in May 1955 by East and West Pakistan's provincial legislatures; first meeting on July 7, 1955.

Objectives Resolution

Preamble emphasizing Allah's sovereignty, democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and social justice in line with Islamic teachings.

Name of the Country

The country was named the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Head of State (Muslim Requirement)

The President had to be a Muslim; head of state responsibilities included ensuring alignment with Islamic principles.

Promotion of Islamic Way of Life

The state was tasked with promoting the observance of Islamic principles and teaching the Quran and Islamic studies.

Protection of Minorities

The constitution guaranteed protection of the rights of religious minorities.

Social and Economic Justice

The state was required to promote social and economic justice as outlined in Islamic teachings.

Laws Consistent with Islam

All existing laws were to be brought into conformity with Islamic principles.

National Language

Recognition of a national language policy for Pakistan.

Referendum

Provision for referendums to decide on certain constitutional issues.

Indirect Elections (Basic Democracies)

The Second Constituent Assembly was indirectly elected by provincial legislatures and Basic Democrats as the electoral college.