Constitution of Pakistan → Constitution of 1962 → Causes for failure of 1962 Constitution
This article is on: Causes for failure of Pakistan’s Constitution of 1962.
BACKGROUND (1965-1969)
- General Elections of 1965 were rigged and nation did not agree upon the defeat of Fatimah Jinnah. Thus nation turned against Ayub Khan.
- After-war effects of Indo-Pak war destabilized position of Ayub Khan. All the developments showed their depth.
- Tashkent Declaration resulted in resign of Zulfiqar Bhutto, who made his separate party in 1967. According to him we lost the winning battle in papers.
- Six Demands of Mujib-ur-Rehman produced unrest among the people of East Pakistan and they started revolt against Ayub Khan.
- After Ayub Khan drew back the Agartala Conspiracy Case, he became more unpopular for people of East Pakistan.
- Protest by Students and Political Organizations produced an atmosphere of dissatisfaction in the country.
- When Round Table Conference did not become successful, Ayub denied holding general elections and invited Yahiya Khan for imposing martial law.
CAUSES FOR FAILURE OF 1962-CONSTITUTION
Unpopular Constitution
First cause for failure of constitution of 1962 was that it was unpopular among the masses. It did not reflect the true spirits of people. In fact it was one man show. Zulfiqar Bhutto called it, “Dictatorship under the label of democracy.”
Free From Fundamental Rights
Fundamental rights were added in this constitution after first amendment. But it seemed that it was mere an eye wash. People did not enjoy their fundamental rights. Hence the constitution failed.
Unicameral System
Just like the constitution of 1956, system of one house was also a cause for failure of constitution of 1962.
Curtailment of Provincial Autonomy
West-Pakistan was made after four provinces were merged into one unit. Due to this step autonomy of four provinces was curtailed. This also became a cause for failure of this constitution.
Weak Checks and Balances
Checks and balances in this constitution were not suitable. Due to which constitution did not possess much power.
Promotion of Secularism
Ayub Khan was secular in his approach. He promoted some anti-Islamic activities but people desired for an Islamic constitution. Word “Islamic” was removed from the name of country in this constitution and it was added after first amendment.
Desire for Parliamentary Government
Constitution of 1962 introduced presidential form of government and people did not like presidential government as they had faced it for ten years. They desired for parliamentary form of government. This also made constitution unpopular.
Restrictions over the Political Parties
Ayub imposed many restrictions over the political parties. They were not allowed to express their views and promote their agenda. Thus, they were also against this government and its policies.
Economic Factor
War of 1965 damaged the economy of country and all achievements were nullified by it. Economic factor made government and constitution weak. Mujib-u-Rehman said, “He (Ayub) misread the sentiments of Kashmiris and launched an ill thought, half backed and misadvised adventure, for liberation of Kashmiris that back fired.”
Demand for Four-Provinces
The constitution merged four provinces into one unit but people of West Pakistan did not agree with this act. They started demand for four provinces in West Pakistan.
Extra-Ordinary Powers of President
Constitution of 1962 gave extra-ordinary powers to president. President was just like the clock tower of Faisalabad where all bazaars converged at one point. It was also a drawback of this constitution.
One Party Rule
Convention Muslim League was party of Ayub Khan. It was in rule without specific opposition in assembly. The ruling party used to mold the constitution as they wanted.
Misuse of Power
Ayub Khan had absolute power. And Lord Acton said, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
President misused his powers in the name of constitution.
Concentration of Wealth
There was rule of 22 families in the country. Concentration of wealth widened the gulf between rich and the poor.
General Strikes
Strikes by students, public and political parties destabilized the political situation in country which also became a cause for failure of this constitution.