the constitution of pakistan 1956

The Constitution of 1956  of Pakistan

The Constitution of 1956 was lengthy and detailed; it contained 234 articles divided into thirteen parts(13) and six schedules. The Constitution of 1956 provided for federal system with the principle of parity between East Pakistan and West Pakistan. The Federal Legislature was to perform like the British Parliament. The Centre was invested with such powers as to take unilateral action in emergency and it could influence the provincial autonomy.

The feature of 1956 consitution of pakistan:
          
The Prime Minister

                             The Prime Minister was the head of the government. He was the leader of the Parliamentary group and was thus indirectly elected by the people. He was authorized to nominate his cabinet among the members of the National Assembly. The Cabinet was answerable to the Assembly.

The President:
                        According to the 1956 Constitution the President was the head of the state. He was to be a Muslim of at least forty years ago. The tenure of his office was five years. In case of internal or external danger he could declare state of emergency in the country. He was authorized to appoint the Governors, the Judges of the Supreme Court, Auditor General and the Advocate General.

Federal System:

                       The constitution provides for a federal system in the country. Powers was divided between the centre and the provinces. The subjects were divided into three lists; The Federal List, The Provincial List, and the Concurrent List.

 Language:

Fundamental Rights

                       Included freedom of movement, freedom of speech and expression, freedom to choose profession and freedom to profess religion. Right to life, liberty, and property.

Free Judiciary:
                      An independent judiciary in the country. A Supreme Court interpreted the constitution, advised the state whenever required, and decided the issues whenever required


                   Urdu and  Bengali declared national languages.

Islamic:

                The name of the country was adopted as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.Islam was not declared state religion. A commission was to be appointed to examine the law for bringing them in conformity. No la w can be made to violate Islamic principles and teachings. Islamic heritage and roots are combined with modern notions of governance and a moderate political system was adopted. Other Islamic clauses were part of directive principles and teachings.

Provincial structure:

                              At the provincial level there was elected assembly. The parliamentary system under the nominal headship of governor. The real powers were given to chief Ministers and his cabinet.

Unicameral Legislature:
                            The legislature would consist of a single house. Both the wings of the country were given representation in the National Assembly. The National Assembly consisted of 300 members. 150 members were drawn from each wing.

Rigid Constitution:

                          The constitution could only be amended through a process requiring the amendment to be passed by at least a two-thirds majority of the parliament and authentication by the President.

Written Constitution:

                          This is a written and lengthy document

• The short Constitution; (being a consideration of the guarantees of life, liberty, and property contained in the Constitution of the United States, sometimes designated the Bill of rights)
• NEW SOVIET CONSTITUTION AND THE PARTY-STATE ISSUE IN CPSU POLITICS, 1956-1966
• General Laws of Rhode Island 1956: Completely Annotated (Constitutions, Volume 1)
• The Regime of Anastasio Somoza: 1936-1956
• 1956-1957 Constitution & Statutes Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America