A National Constitutional Convention, held in connection with Golden Jubilee of 1973 Constitution at the National Assembly Hall, today passed a resolution pledging to protect and defend the constitution of Pakistan in letter and spirit.
The resolution moved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called upon all state organs to ensure that the constitution of 1973 is fully implemented and that the rights and interests of the people of Pakistan are protected and safeguarded.
The resolution recognized 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.
It reaffirmed the commitment to uphold the principles of democracy, rule of law, human rights, and social justice as enshrined in the Constitution.
It emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of federalism, which is one of the fundamental tenets of our Constitution.
The resolution 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.
Former President, Asif Ali Zardari said nobody will be allowed to play with the constitution.
Speaking at the convention, he said we have always worked for the strengthening of democracy and we will build Pakistan.
Speaking in the Convention, Senator Raza Rabbani said democracy can only be strengthened by acknowledging past mistakes.
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.
In his remarks, Supreme Court’s Judge, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, on behalf of his institution, stated that we stand by the book of constitution.
He said we are also defenders of this document.
Justice Qazi Faez Isa said this constitution is our identity and we need to recognize its importance and implement it.
The National Constitutional Convention passed another resolution paying homage to the framers of the constitution for drafting the country’s constitution which remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for the people of Pakistan.
The resolution moved by Mian Raza Rabbani reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the constitution and rule of law, and to ensuring that the constitution remains a living document that reflects the aspirations and needs of the people of Pakistan.
The resolution called upon all institutions and citizens of Pakistan to uphold the constitution of Pakistan to honor the spirit and values of its framers, who sought to create a just, egalitarian and democratic society based on the principles of Islam and democracy.
The resolution declared all the members of the Constitution Committee of 1973 and the 5th National Assembly of the country as national heroes of Pakistan.
In yet 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.
Source: Radio Pakistan