Objective Resolution:

Outline:

• Background
• Salient Features Of Objective Resolution
i) Sovereignty Of Allah
ii) Principles Of Democracy
iii) Islamic Way Of Life
iv) Minority Protection
v) Federalism Of Pakistan
vi) Fundamental Rights
vii) Minority Rights
viii) Independence Of Judiciary
ix) Integrity Of Federation.
• Objective Resolution Magna Carta Of Pakistan
• Subsequent Demands For Islamization In Pakistan

Background:

Quaid-e-Azam laid the foundation stone of Constitution-making. But after death on September 11, 1948, the process of constitution-making slowed down.
Khan Liaquat Ali Kahn rose to the occasion and took a practical step towards constitution-making. He furnished a resolution in the Legislative Assembly on 12th March, 1949. This resolution was popularly known as “Objective Resolution.”

Salient Features Of Objective Resolution:

After a long discussion, the assembly adopted the “Objective Resolution” moved by Liaquat Ali Khan on March 12, 1949. Objective Resolution contained the following features for the constitution of newly-born country:

i) Sovereignty Of Allah:

The preamble of Objective Resolution recognized the sovereignty of Allah over the entire universe and the authority which He delegated to the State of Pakistan through its people.

ii) Principles Of Democracy:

The principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice initiated by Islam shall be fully observed.

iii) Islamic Way Of Life:

Muslims shall be enabled to order their lives in the individual and collective spheres in accordance with the teachings and requirements of Islam as set out in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

iv) Minority Protection:

Adequate provision shall be made for minorities to freely profess and practise their religion and develop their culture.

v) Federation Of Pakistan:

The territories now included in or in accession with Pakistan and such other territories as they may after be included or accede to Pakistan shall form a federation wherein the units will be autonomous with boundaries and limitations on their power and authority as may be prescribed.

vi) Fundamental Rights:

Fundamental rights including the equality of status, of opportunity and before law, social and political justice and freedom of thought, expression, faith, belief, worship and association subject to law and public morality shall be guaranteed.

vii) Minority Rights:

Adequate provision shall be made to safeguard the legitimate rights of minorities and backward and depressed classes.

viii) Independence Of Judiciary:

The independence of Judiciary shall be fully secured.

ix) Integrity Of Federation:

The integrity of the territories of Federation, its independence and all its rights including its sovereign rights on land, sea and air shall be safeguarded.

In the context of above mentioned features, constitution-making process in Pakistan became alive again. People from different walks of life demanded the promulgation of this resolution in practice in Pakistan.

Objective Resolution Magna Carta Of Pakistan:

Objective Resolution can be called Magna Carta of Pakistan because thanks to this resolution, fundamental rights have also been given to the people of Pakistan. In Magna Carta, British King John also gave fundamental rights to its citizens in the advent of the 13th century (1215). King was supposed to act according to the law rather than according to his caprice or will.
In Objective Resolution, sovereignty is kept with Allah and man is considered His vicegerent. According to Objective Resolution no law should be enacted in this state against the canons off Islam. Fundamental rights have also been given to all of the communities. minorities’ rights have been protected in this resolution. Therefore, in the context of above mentioned facts, Objective Resolution can be called Magna Carta of Pakistan.

Subsequent Demands For Islamization:

After the acceptance of Objective Resolution on March 12, 1949, demand for Islamization in Pakistan was at its peak. Ulemas became active in the implementation of Objective Resolution in the whole country.
Basic principles committee with its chairman Liaquat Ali Kahn appointed some sub-committees to examine fundamental rights, judicial, federal and provincial structure of the country.
The report of the committee received heavy criticism from the society on the issue of Islam. Ulemas from all sects presented their demands for Islamization in Pakistan which are as follows:
i) Go is the sovereign of the whole universe.
ii) All the laws of the government should be according to the pristine injunctions of Islam.
iii) Head of the state and the government should be Muslim.
iv) Rule of law should be implemented in its real form.
v) Judiciary should be kept separate from the executive.
vi) Basic amenities of life should be fulfilled by the government i.e. clothing, food, shelter, health and education etc.
vii) Minorities should be allowed to present their religion in the limits given by Islam.
viii) Minorities’ rights should be protected efficiently.
ix) The publication of such material would be proscribed which might be against the basic ideology of Islam.
x) No law would be made against the Sharia.