Omar Bennett
The 1973 Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was introduced by a committee in the Assembly on February 2, 1973, and passed on April 10, 1973. It came into force on August 14, 1973, and was headed by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The 1973 Constitution also came into effect in the Philippines, and was manipulated by Marcos to allow him to rule by decree until 1978.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Zulfikar Ali Bhutto |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Year | 1973 |
| Religion | Islam |
| Nature of the Constitution | Parliamentary |
| Constitution's Main Purpose | To provide for the protection and preservation of the Islamic Concept of life |
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What You'll Learn
The 1973 Constitution was ratified by the Filipino people
The 1973 Constitution of the Philippines, also known as the 1973 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, was ratified by the Filipino people. This constitution replaced the presidential system of the 1935 Constitution with a parliamentary system, allowing then-president Marcos to maintain power and rule by decree. The 1973 Constitution included a full Bill of Rights, which guaranteed fundamental civil and political rights, and provided for free, fair, and periodic elections.
The 1973 Constitution was drafted by a Constitutional Convention and came into force on 14 August 1973. It was preceded by the Malolos Constitution, the first Philippine Constitution, which was approved on 20 January 1899. The 1973 Constitution was later dissolved in 1986 by President Corazon Aquino, who called for its revision.
The 1973 Constitution was not without controversy. During the voting process, military men intimidated voters by positioning themselves in prominent locations, and mayors were given quotas for "yes" votes. Official figures state that 90% of voters voted in favour of the new constitution, although some communities did not participate in the voting process. These results were challenged during the Ratification Cases heard by the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 1973, but the court upheld the results.
The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan was also ratified in 1973, introduced as a bill by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This constitution declared Pakistan a Federal Republic, with Islam as the state religion.
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It was introduced by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan was introduced by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The Constitution was passed by the Assembly on 10 April 1973 and came into force on 14 August 1973. It declared Pakistan a Federal Republic, or the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with Islam as the state religion. It also defined the role and requirements of the President, who was to be the Head of State. The President was to be a Muslim above 45 years of age, elected for a 5-year term and could be re-elected for a second term.
The 1973 Constitution was significant in that it provided for the protection and preservation of the Islamic concept of life and sought to implement the basic teachings of Islam. It also attempted to define who was a Muslim, stating that a Muslim believes in the "Oneness of Allah" and in the prophet hood of Hazrat Mohammad as the last prophet of Allah.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was an important figure in Pakistani politics and his influence extended to the creation of the 1973 Constitution. The Constitution has been amended several times since its introduction, reflecting the changing political and social landscape of Pakistan. For example, the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act of 1991 further amended the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
It is worth noting that the 1973 Constitution was not without controversy. During the voting process, there were allegations of voter intimidation and the presence of military personnel at polling stations. Official figures stated that 90% of voters approved the new constitution, but these results were challenged in the Supreme Court of the Philippines in what became known as the 1973 Ratification Cases. Despite this, the court upheld the results and the 1973 Constitution was ratified.
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It declared Pakistan a Federal Republic
The Constitution of 1973, which declared Pakistan a Federal Republic, was a significant moment in the country's history. This constitution was the first in Pakistan to be framed by elected representatives, marking a shift towards a more democratic form of governance. It replaced the previous 1962 constitution, which had been enacted by a military dictator, General Ayub Khan, and established a parliamentary democracy with executive power vested in the office of the prime minister.
The 1973 Constitution declared Pakistan a Federal Republic, officially known as the "Islamic Republic of Pakistan," with Islam as its state religion. It established a centralised federal system, with Pakistan comprising four federating units: Punjab, Sindh, N. W. F. P., and Baluchistan. The constitution also outlined a bicameral legislature, consisting of a Senate (upper house) providing equal provincial representation and a National Assembly (lower house) allocating seats based on population. This structure aimed to address concerns of provincial domination by the centre and ensured fair representation for all regions.
The Federal Legislature was designed to function similarly to the British Parliament, with certain Fundamental Rights and Principles of Policy enshrined in the constitution. These rights included security of the person, safeguards regarding arrest and detention, freedom of movement, speech, and association, as well as non-discrimination in access to public places and services. The Principles of Policy emphasised an Islamic way of life, promotion of local government institutions, full participation of women in national life, protection of minorities, and strengthening bonds with the Muslim world.
The 1973 Constitution also established the role of the President of Pakistan as the ceremonial Head of State, representing the unity of the republic. The President was to be a Muslim above the age of 45, elected by an electoral college consisting of members of the federal and provincial legislatures. The constitution limited the President's role, stating that they were to act on the advice of the Prime Minister, who held the majority of executive power.
The creation of the 1973 Constitution was a complex process, reflecting the need to balance traditionalist and modernist views in the country. It aimed to address the vexatious questions of the Islamic character of the state and federalism, which had prevented consensus among ethnonational groups in previous constitutional assemblies. The constitution has since undergone several amendments, with the most recent impulses focusing on political upgrades and reforms to keep it relevant and adaptable to the changing needs of Pakistan.
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It was passed by the Assembly in April 1973
The 1973 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines was passed by the Assembly on 10 April 1973 and came into force on 14 August 1973. It was a parliamentary constitution, declaring the country a Federal Republic, or the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with Islam as its state religion. The 1973 Constitution was also based on the principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah. It provided for the protection and preservation of the Islamic concept of life and sought to implement the basic teachings of Islam.
The 1973 Constitution was introduced by the committee in the Assembly on 2 February 1973. It is believed that the committee was headed by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was also responsible for the 1973 Constitution. The Constitution was parliamentary in nature, with the President declared as the Head of State. The President was to be a Muslim above 45 years of age, elected for a five-year term and eligible for re-election, but not for more than two terms. The President was to act on the advice of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The 1973 Constitution replaced the presidential system of the 1935 Constitution. Under the new system, Marcos retained power and continued to govern by decree, suppressing democratic institutions and restricting civil freedoms. The Constitution allowed him to rule by decree until 1978. In 1981, martial law was officially lifted, but Marcos continued to be "re-elected" and ruled by suppressing dissent.
The 1973 Constitution was eventually dissolved in 1986 by President Corazon Aquino, who called for its revision. From February 1986 to February 1987, the Philippines was governed under a provisional constitution called the "Freedom Constitution", drafted by Aquino's Executive Secretary, Joker Arroyo.
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It came into force in August 1973
The 1973 Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was introduced by the committee in the Assembly on February 2, 1973. The Assembly passed the bill on April 10, 1973, and it came into force on August 14, 1973. The constitution was drafted by a committee headed by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
The 1973 Constitution declared Pakistan a Federal Republic, with Islam as the state religion. It also defined the role and responsibilities of the President, who was to be the Head of State. The President was to be a Muslim above 45 years of age, elected for a five-year term and eligible for re-election, but limited to a maximum of two terms. The President was to act on the advice of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The 1973 Constitution also provided for a parliamentary system, with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Members of the Cabinet appointed by the President. These officials, upon assuming office, were required to take an oath to fulfil their duties, preserve and defend the Constitution, execute its laws, and serve the nation.
In addition to the above, the 1973 Constitution included Islamic provisions based on the principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah. It recognised sovereignty over the universe belonging to Almighty Allah and defined the role of the people of Pakistan as exercising the authority bestowed by Him within the limits prescribed by the Quran and Sunnah.
It is worth noting that the 1973 Constitution was not without its controversies. In the Philippines, a similar 1973 Constitution was manipulated by Marcos to rule by decree until 1978, suppressing democratic institutions and civil freedoms. This led to the 1973 Constitution being dissolved and replaced by a provisional "Freedom Constitution" in 1986.
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Frequently asked questions
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the head of the 1973 Constitutional Committee.
This constitution was for Pakistan.
The 1973 Constitution declared Pakistan a Federal Republic, with Islam as the state religion. It also defined the role and responsibilities of the President of Pakistan.
Yes, there was a vote to adopt the 1973 Constitution. Official figures state that 90% of voters voted in favour, although there were allegations of voter intimidation and communities that did not participate in the voting process.
