Failure of Constitution of 1956

IntroductionThe first constitution of Pakistan 1956 was introduced on twenty third March

1956. First constitution was on presented on an important historical day.

Lahore Resolution was presented on twenty third March 1940.

Therefore, great expectations were attached with this constitution, but it did

not only fail itself, but parliamentary system under it also failed.   

Causes of Failure of Parliamentary System in

Constitution 1956

Lack of LeadershipLack of Leadership played its role in the failure of the constitution of 1956.

For Lack of Leadership, Pakistan never found its way to development of its

parliamentary system. So, parliamentary system under first constitution

of Pakistan failed.

Lack of Political TrainingThere was lack of political training in the country. Many political parties made

without any political goal. Their fight against another for gain power. So,

under these circumstances, development of parliamentary system under this

constitution failed.

UnicameralismThe constitution of 1956 was introduced unicameral legislature. Through

unicameral legislature create many problems for Pakistan and the result

martial law was imposed in country.

Delay in ElectionsEvery political party try to gain power and no one was interested for elections.

So, these circumstances, elections were delayed and such delay caused failure

of parliamentary system under first constitution of Pakistan 1956.

Non Existence of Economic EqualityNon-existence of economic equality in the country was a cause of failure of

constitution. Constitution of 1956 described some principles afor economic

development of country, yet nepotism and feudalism checked the constitution

from implementing those principles. Finally, parliamentary system under this

constitution failed.

Lack of State Parliamentary SystemConstitution of 1956 provided those principles which never proved convenient

for development of parliamentary system. In this way, parliamentary system

failed to develop under first constitution of Pakistan.

Role of PresidentAfter enforcement of constitution of 1956, role of President remained very

authoritative. His undue interference with political parties and ministers kept

Pakistan away from constitutional development, and consequently,

parliamentary system under this constitution failed.

Role of Army and BureaucracyThe intervention of the army which played havoc with democratic process.

Bureaucracy played a very important role for the failure of the constitution

1956.

Lack of EducationUnfortunately, the people were not well educated and the people were easily

influenced by the demagogues. This lack of education also led to the failure of

the constitution.

One UnitAll the provinces of West Pakistan was jointed together and made into one

unit. It was thought that it would eliminate the prejudices among the

Pakistanis but is proved to be a failure and its also led to the failure

Failure of constitution 1962

IntroductionHistory of Constitution of Pakistan is very unfortunately. Pakistan come into

being 1949 after many sacrifices and the first constitution of 1956 was

enforced 23 March 1956. But unfortunately it was abrogated in 1958. After

abrogated constitution of 1956, the Ayub Khan appointed a team to drafted a

constitution. The constitution of 1962 was enforced in 1962, but it lasted until

1969 when martial law was imposed.

Cause of Failure of Constitution of 1962

Following are causes of failure of constitution of 1962.

Constitution given by one man

The constitution of 1962 was given by one man. In fact, it was framed to

legalize undemocratic military regime. Under its Presidential system,

President was granted vast power while power of national assembly was

limited. So, that’s a fact to cause of failure of constitution of 1962.

Absence of Check and Balance

The system of check and Balance was absent in the constitution of 1962

because the President of Pakistan made powerful and made National

Assembly powerless. President appoints the ministers and ministers were not

answerable to National Assembly, they were accountable to President.

Indirect Elections

The method of election of President, members of National Assembly and

Provincial Assembly in the constitution of 1962 was indirect. It was not proper

for the country like Pakistan.

Lack of Provincial Autonomy

Provinces were not given autonomy. The center was more powerful. This

clash of power failed the constitution.

Political Causes

There were many political causes for the failure of the constitution for

example non-existence of political consciousness as well as negative attitude

of political parties.

Negation of Islamic Ideology

The 1962 constitution promised to propagate an Islamic way of life in Pakistan

so that Muslim could proceed with their lives according to Holy Quran and

Sunnah but practically it was failed.

1965 War

In 1965 in Muhammad Ayub Khan’s era Pakistan fought war with India. The

1965 war told upon the economy of the country, which created hatred among

the people against the Muhammad Ayub Khan’s Government.

Increase of Political Crises

The political crises raised their heads, which reflected that people were no

longer satisfied with the Muhammad Ayub Khan’s policies.

Unpopular Presidential System

Usually constitutions are adopted by parliament, referendum or conventions.

Contrary to this, constitution of 1962 was adopted and enforced in such way.

In fact, it was a gift from a dictator, and it imposed presidential system against

norms of democracy. Therefore, its presidential system remained unpopular

and proved a failure.

Presidential Dictatorship

In constitution of 1962, absence of separation of powers and granting of

extensive powers to President revealed that presidential system of this

constitution was just another form of presidential dictatorship. Such

presidential dictatorship caused failure of presidential system of constitution

of 1962.

Policy of Suppression of Fundamental Rights

Although fundamental rights were made part of constitution of 1962 through

its first amendment, yet presidential government practically never recognized

and accepted them. In fact, policy of suppression of fundamental rights was

adopted. Such policy finally caused failure of presidential system of

constitution of 1962.

Conclusion

To conclude, it can be stated that main objective of constitution of 1962 was

not to give nation a real democratic constitution, but its objective was to keep

military rule continued under its umbrella. Although it worked for military

regime, yet it failed to gain popularity among common masses.