What Day Is Republic Day In Pakistan? A Quick History Of Each Of The Nation’s Three Constitutions
However, it is not usually observed on March 23. On March 23, there is also a holiday known as “Pakistan Day,” which is more remembered and significant in Pakistan than the nation’s anniversary of becoming a republic.
The explanation for this is straightforward: since Pakistan’s founding, there have been three different constitutions and a number of dictatorships where the constitution has been suspended.
Here is a brief history of Pakistan’s three Constitutions as well as how it evolved to be a republic.
The first, the 1956 Constitution
In August 1947, India and Pakistan both became independent countries. While Pakistan needed two Constituent Assemblies and nine years to adopt a constitution, India became a republic on January 26, 1950. The dissolution of the first Constituent Assembly in 1954 by Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad, who believed it was limiting his authority, and the death of Muhammad Ali Jinnah shortly after Pakistan was founded, along with political unrest, the size of the task at hand, and political instability, all played a part.
Early on in the Assembly deliberations, there were disagreements. The Objectives Resolution, a document intended to serve as a blueprint for the Constitution, was approved by the Constituent Assembly on March 12, 1949.
Seven years later, the country’s first constitution was ratified, establishing a unicameral 300-member parliament with equal representation from West and East Pakistan.
President Sikandar Mirza repealed this Constitution on October 7, 1958, and martial law took its place.
The second Constitution
The president of the second Constitution, Sikandar Mirza, was swiftly succeeded as commander-in-chief by General Muhammad Ayub Khan. In 1962, under his leadership, Pakistan received a new constitution.
For seven years, this Constitution was in effect. General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan again proclaimed martial law on March 25, 1969. The first general elections under his administration were held in December 1970. The outcome of this election started the chain of events that led to Bangladesh’s creation in 1971.
The third, and current, Constitution
Pakistan received the current constitution in 1973.
Twice, under General Zia-ul-Haq (1977–1985) and General Pervez Musharraf, this Constitution was suspended (1999-2002). However, over time, numerous revisions have eliminated many of the improvements made by Zia.
Celebrations on Republic Day today
According to Soomro, there haven’t been many efforts to raise national knowledge of the Constitution and its importance.
News Mania Desk
