Salient Features of Objective Resolution

Objective Resolution

After the death of Quaid-e-Azam on 11th September 1948, the responsibility of framing the constitution fell on the shoulders of the first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan.This resolution was passed by the First Constituent Assembly in March 1949 under the leadership of Liaquat Ali Khan.

Salient Features of Objective Resolution

The salient features of the Objective Resolution are as follows:

Sovereignty Belongs to Allah

The resolution clearly laid down that sovereignty over the entire universe belongs o Almighty Allah alone and the authorities to be exercised by the people of Pakistan as a sacred trust.

Federal System

Federal System of Government will be introduced in Pakistan.

Golden Principles of Islam

Principles of democracy, equality, freedom and social justice as laid down by Islam shall be fully observed.

Supreme Authority of the People

The sovereignty of the state will be established through the elected representative of the people.

Life According to the Teachings of Islam

The Muslims shall be provided with opportunity to order their lives in accordance with the teachings and requirements of Islam.

Protection of the Rights of Minorities

The rights and interests of the minorities to freely profess and practice their religion will be protected.

Equal Rights to Citizens

All citizens will enjoy their rights on the principle of equality.

Development of Under Developed Areas

All efforts will be made for the development and progress of the under developed areas.

Independence Judiciary

Judiciary will be independent.

Objective Resolution and Liaquat Ali Khan

While introducing the resolution in the Constituent Assembly, Liaquat Ali Khan said:

“The ideals that promised the demand for Pakistan should form the corner stone of the state. When we use the word ‘Democracy’ in the Islamic sense it pervades all aspects of life. It relates to the system of government and to our society will equal validity because one of the greatest contributions of Islam has been the equality of men.”

Importance of the Objective Resolution

This resolution is of fundamental importance in the history of constitutions making in Pakistan because from the first constitution of 1956 till the constitution of 1973 (present constitution) whatever constitution was framed it was based on this objective resolution. It contains those steps and principles which were to be taken for the fulfillment of the basic aim of the freedom struggle that is the establishment of an Islamic society in Pakistan. Hence, it is a significant document in the constitutional history of Pakistan.
When Liaquat Ali Khan visited America, in the course of his speech at New Orleans, he said,

“We believe in God and his Supreme sovereignty because we believe that civic life must have an ethical content and a higher purpose. But democracy, social justice, equality of opportunity and equality before the law of all citizens irrespective of their race and creed are also aspects of faith with us.”

Basic Principles Committee

After passing the Objective Resolution, the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan set up a “Basic Principle Committee” to spell out proposals for the constitution in accordance with the guidelines contained in the Objective Resolution.

Conclusion

All the above mentioned principles were present in the Objective Resolution that is why this resolution is considered an important event in the constitutional history of the country. It was accepted by all classes of people. It provided a guide line for the future constitutions of Pakistan which were passed in 1956, 1962 and 1973. It consisted of such principles which revealed that character of constitution shall be Islamic.