Pakistan, since its inception in 1947, has had a tumultuous history of political and constitutional disorder.
This has been primarily due to the lack of strong leadership and an inability to agree on certain fundamental principles.
However, one of the most significant ways in which Pakistan has tried to resolve its political problems is through the formation of Constituent Assemblies.
The first constitution of Pakistan was introduced in 1956. In this blog post, we will take a look at the first and second Constituent Assemblies that have been formed in Pakistan.
The first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan
The first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was formed on 14 August 1947, just days after the country’s independence.
It consisted of representatives from all over Pakistan, including the then East and West Pakistan. The Assembly’s task was to frame the country’s constitution.
The Assembly met for the first time on 11 August 1947, and elected Muhammad Ali Jinnah as its president.
After his death in September 1948, the assembly was dissolved and a new one elected in his place.
The second Constituent Assembly, which was also tasked with framing a constitution, met for the first time on 17 October 1949.
However, due to disagreements over various issues, the assembly was unable to agree on a constitution and was subsequently dissolved in October 1955.
A third Constituent Assembly was then elected in 1956, but it too failed to draft a constitution and was dissolved in 1957.
It wasn’t until 1962 that a constitution was finally agreed upon and promulgated.
Who dissolved the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan?
The first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was dissolved on 24 October 1954 by Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad, after only one year of existence.
The Assembly had been elected in 1953, but its work was halted by the intervention of the military government.
A new Assembly was elected in 1955 which then drafted and approved Pakistan’s constitution.
The second Constituent Assembly of Pakistan
The second Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was formed on 17 April 1956. This Assembly, like its predecessor, was elected by the Provincial Assemblies.
The Assembly met for the first time on 24 May 1956. Iskander Mirza was elected as its first president.
This Assembly is significant because it was during this time that the Constitution of Pakistan was drafted and promulgated.
The Objectives Resolution, which laid down the principles which were to guide the assembly in framing the constitution, was passed on 12 March 1949.
However, it took seven years for the constitution to be finally ready.
During this time, there were a number of military coups and changes in government, which hindered progress on the constitution.
Ultimately, it was only after martial law was imposed in October 1958 that the constitution was finally completed and Pakistan became a republic.
Members of second Constituent Assembly of Pakistan
The second Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was elected in March 1965, after the first assembly was dissolved.
The main task of the second assembly was to draft and adopt a constitution for Pakistan.
The assembly had 313 members, including 20 women and 10 members from minority groups.
The largest party in the assembly was the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Other parties represented in the assembly were the Awami League, Jamat-e-Islami, Muslim League, National Awami Party and Nizam-e-Islam.
The constitution drafting process was fraught with disagreements and delays. After several months of debate, the assembly finally adopted a constitution on April 12, 1973.
However, this constitution was never implemented as it was abrogated by the military government of Zia-ul-Haq in 1977.
Conclusion
Constituent Assemblies of Pakistan have played a crucial role in the development and governance of our country.
Through their work, they not only helped to create the Constitution of Pakistan but also contributed significantly to its subsequent amendments.
The Constituent Assembly members were instrumental in bringing about many positive changes including improved access to education, increased economic opportunities, and greater gender parity.
They truly stand as an example for us all that collective action can bring about real transformation.
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