Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): The Golden Jubilee Convention of the 1973 Constitution on Monday, pledging to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution in letter and spirit, called upon the state organs to take all necessary measures to ensure its full implementation and safeguard the rights and interests of the people of Pakistan.
The resolution presented by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and unanimously adopted by the Convention held here at the National Assembly Hall, emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of federalism as one of the fundamental tenets of the Constitution.
Before reading out the resolution, the prime minister paid tribute to the framers of the 1973 Constitution who set aside their political differences and got united for sake of the country – an achievement to be remembered forever.
Calling April 10, 1973 an important day in the country’s history, he said despite multiple amendments made from time to time, the Constitution was still a living document.
Attended by the parliamentarians from both Houses of the parliament, legal and constitutional experts, educationists, and prominent figures from different fields of life, the Convention also declared April 10, 2023, as the National Constitution Day, “to be celebrated each year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of 1973 and to educate the people of Pakistan about the Constitution and its significance for the country.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the day also reminded the nation as how in 1955, the doctrine of necessity was invented and how a chief justice of that time gave a three-year extension to a dictator. Similarly, he said the Constitution was re-written from time to time, he added.
The prime minister recalled that a year ago, the coalition parties formed their government through a constitutional process despite numerous challenges inherited from the previous government.
He said for sake of the country, the coalition government took up the challenges and were putting in collective wisdom to steer the country out of tough conditions.
"Though the allied parties will go into election on their respective manifestoes, while being part of the coalition government, they are united to save the country.
He saluted the framers of the Constitution, congratulated the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms headed by Senator Raza Rabbani Committee and also National Assembly Speaker for holding the Convention to celebrate the 50 years of the 1973 Constitution which kept the whole nation united despite ethnic and political diversities.
Addressing the convention former President, Asif Ali Zardari said nobody will be allowed to play with the constitution.
He said the Constitution would reign supreme and nobody would be allowed to hold it in abeyance.
“The PPP had played its role in safeguarding the Constitution and will continue doing so in future also. The democracy had been weakened over the years but we will make it strong,” the former president said.
Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the Costitution of 1973 gave the country a way forward to tread the path of progress and constitutionalism.
Emphasizing the need for strengthening democratic norms, he said difference of opinion is the beauty of democracy, but political acrimony should not be such which undermines the democratic setup and strengthens the hands of undemocratic forces.
Speaking in the Convention, Senator Raza Rabbani said democracy can only be strengthened by acknowledging past mistakes.
In his remarks, Senior puisne judge of the Supreme Court (SC), Justice Qazi Faez Isa said that the apex court stands with the Constitution.
He said that this constitution is our identity and we need to recognize its importance and implement it.
"Our job is to make decisions according to the law and the Constitution and your job is to make laws which are beneficial for the people. The job of the executive is to implement the said laws and policies."
Commending the premier for designating April 10 as the National Constitution Day, Justice Isa urged the participants to embrace the Constitution as it "talks about the people's basic rights.
The most important thing the Constitution talks about is people’s basic rights.”
The SC judge added that Pakistan's Constitution talked about certain fundamental rights that were not talked about in many other countries.
The Convention reiterated that the Constitution of 1973 was adopted on April 10, 1973, by the National Assembly of Pakistan, representing the will and aspirations of the people of Pakistan which reflected the vision of the founding fathers of Pakistan and embodied the principles of democracy, equality, freedom, and justice.
“Whereas, the Constitution of 1973 has been a unique expression of the diversity and unity of Pakistan, as it recognizes the rights and autonomy of the provinces, while ensuring the integrity and political unity of the federation… has been a source of inspiration and guidance for the Parliament, Judiciary and the Executive in upholding the principles of constitutionalism, rule of law and protection of human rights,” the resolution added.
The Convention said the Constitution had been amended over the years, incorporating the changing needs and aspirations of the people of Pakistan, and ensuring that the Constitution remains a living document;
The event called the Golden Jubilee of the Constitution an occasion to celebrate the resilience of the Constitution and to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and human rights;
This Convention paid tribute to the founding fathers of Pakistan who laid the foundations of the Constitution of 1973 and to all those who have contributed to its development and evolution over the years. It recognised the Constitution of 1973 as the mainstay of Pakistan’s democracy, providing for the participation and representation of all sections of the society in the governance of the country;
The resolution reaffirmed the parliament’s commitment to uphold the principles of democracy, rule of law, human rights, and social justice as enshrined in the Constitution.
It appreciated the role of the judiciary, executive and parliament, in upholding and implementing the Constitution of 1973 and ensuring that the principles, values, and objectives enshrined in the Constitution are upheld.
The resolution said the parliament took pride in the legacy and history of drafting and adopting the Constitution of 1973 that enshrined federalism, trichotomy of powers, independence of judiciary, provincial autonomy, and fundamental rights for the citizens.
The Convention urged that the parliament expressed its confidence in the resilience of the Constitution and its belief that it would continue to serve as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Meanwhile, in another resolution moved by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, the National Constitutional Convention declared that the National Assembly Hall in the State Bank Building in Islamabad as a national heritage and recognized its cultural and historic significance to Pakistan.
It directed the relevant government agencies to take immediate steps to restore the National Assembly in the SBP building to its former glory and ensure it is maintained in good condition for the posterity.
Another resolution moved Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb resolved that constitution and democratic civic education shall be made a compulsory part of curriculum.
The resolution said that the public service broadcasters, and independent media shall devote a fair amount of time to expand understanding about the constitution and its relevance as a vibrant contract between the citizens and the State.
All the resolutions were unanimously passed by the convention.