Editorial
Why is it Critical for the Pakistani Nation to safeguard its Constitution?
The Constitution of a state is critical because it establishes the fundamental principles and rules by which the government operates and the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. It provides:
- A framework for the distribution of power.
- The organization of government institutions.
- The protection of individual liberties and human rights.
A constitution serves as a social contract between the government and the people, outlining the obligations and expectations of both parties. It helps to ensure that the government acts in accordance with the rule of law and that the rights and freedoms of citizens are protected.
Without a constitution, a government may be prone to abuse its power, violate individual rights, and operate without accountability. A constitution provides a foundation for stability, democracy, and good governance and is a key component of a functioning and prosperous society.
Hence, the Constitution is the land’s supreme law and a nation’s political consensus. It is even more significant because Pakistan is a federation. A federation remains functional with the implementation of the Constitution. Then, the performance of the Constitution is vital for the rule of law, human rights, dignity and equality of citizens. It is even crucial for good governance, institutional performance, and administrative accountability. A nation and a state without a functional constitution is a banana republic and an Anarchy.
Therefore, Pakistan’s people must understand the Constitution’s vital significance. They must protect it and let all institutions defend it! Although the legislature, executive and judiciary must defend the Constitution, then, in developing countries, these institutions are part of the problem more often than not. Therefore, people should force these institutions to defend the Constitution. Unfortunately, these institutions have not defended the Constitution but rather subverted it. Without public pressure, these institutions might not defend the Constitution. Moreover, the people must elect the legislatures who ensure that the executive and judiciary defend the Constitution.
