IN connection with the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the 1973 Constitution on Monday, a national constitutional convention was organized at the hall of National Assembly which was attended by people belonging to different walks of life including parliamentarians, educationists and legal and constitutional experts which indeed was a manifestation that this sacred document represents the will and aspirations of the country’s population.
At the convention, a number of important resolutions were also passed including the one moved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif which pledged to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution in letter and spirit and 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. These words on the papers are not suffice rather we will also have to prove through our conduct and actions as to how much law abiding we are. Responsibility in this regard also rests with all institutions to act as per the Constitution as it is the only way through which we can move forward and put the country on the path of progress and development. Despite untoward incidents and conspiracies that happened in the past, the 1973 Constitution has maintained its existence and kept the federating units united. It remains the defining statement of the country’s national identity. The best tribute to the framers of the 1973 Constitution will also be to ensure its full implementation whilst burying once and for all the doctrine of necessity which has only caused irreparable loss to the country. At present it is really unfortunate to see every political party doing their own interpretation of the Constitution which will only lead the country towards further chaos. The current leadership will also have to demonstrate the same kind of sagacity and integrity that was shown by the framers of the Constitution whilst keeping their differences aside, if we really want to save the country from venomous polarization. At the same time, it is really important that there is greater awareness amongst the people about the Constitution. For this purpose, it is good to see the constitutional convention passing a resolution which envisaged incorporating the Constitution in the curriculum. This is a step in the right direction to ensure that the people revere the Constitution as well as have better understanding of their rights and duties as well. At a time when there is rising intolerance and polarization, it is only the Constitution that can bind everyone together and help find solutions to various problems.
