Editorial
The seemingly dry language of Article 7 of the Constitution of Pakistan, nestled under the heading “Definition of the State,” is in fact the bedrock of Pakistani democracy and the ultimate check on the nation’s immense power structure. In straightforward human language, this article is not just an arbitrary list; it is a meticulously crafted legal boundary that defines exactly who the Constitution holds accountable for upholding fundamental rights. Crucially, it declares that “the State” includes the Federal Government, the Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora), the Provincial Governments, the Provincial Assemblies, and even every local authority empowered to levy taxes.
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This comprehensive definition is pivotal because it immediately precedes and powers subsequent articles, most notably Article 8. The latter stipulates with absolute clarity that the State shall not make any law that is inconsistent with the fundamental rights guaranteed to every citizen. By broadly defining the State to include virtually every body that exercises public authority—from the Prime Minister’s office and the National Assembly to a small municipal committee collecting a cess—the Constitution ensures that there is no escape hatch for tyranny or arbitrary power. No single branch of government, and no subordinate authority, can claim exemption when a citizen’s fundamental rights are infringed upon.
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In an era often marked by political infighting and jurisdictional squabbles, Article 7 serves as a powerful reminder of collective responsibility. It dissolves any notion that only the federal or central government is tasked with respecting the citizen’s rights. Instead, it places the burden equally on a Provincial Assembly, a local development authority, or any other body that derives its power from law. Therefore, when discussing constitutional violations, the focus must shift away from abstract blame and toward the tangible entities listed in Article 7. It is the ultimate mandate for decentralized accountability, ensuring that the entire apparatus of governance, regardless of its level, is perpetually subordinate to the fundamental freedoms of the people of Pakistan. This singular article is the silent engine that keeps the spirit of the Constitution alive and the entire governing structure on a leash.
