Constitution of 1956

Part 3: Directive Principles of State Policy

Part 3 consisted of articles 23 to 31. It described the principles of state policy. The principles of policy were not enforcable through law. This was also a tradition followed by the successor constitutions.

Part 3: Directive Principles of State Policy

Article 23

(1) In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires "the State" has the same meaning as in Part II.

(2) The State shall be guided in the formulation of its policies by the provisions of this Part, but such provisions shall not be enforceable in any court.

Article 24

The State shall endeavour to strengthen the bonds of unity among Muslim countries, to promote international peace and security, to foster goodwill and friendly relations among all nations, and to encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means.

Article 25

(1) Steps shall be taken to enable the Muslims of Pakistan individually and collectively to order their lives in accordance with the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

(2) The State shall endeavour, as respects the Muslims of Pakistan,-

(a) to provide facilities whereby they may be enabled to understand the meaning of life according to the Holy Quran and Sunnah;

(b) to make the teaching of the Holy Quran compulsory;

(c) to promote unity and the observance of Islamic moral standards; and

(d) to secure the proper organization of zakat, wakfs and mosques.

Article 26

The State shall discourage parochial, racial, tribal, sectarian and provincial prejudices among the citizens.

Article 27

The State shall safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the minorities, including their due representation in the Federal and Provincial Services.

Article 28

The State shall endeavour to -

(a) promote, with special care, the educational and economic interests of the people of the Special Areas, the backward classes and the Scheduled Castes;

(b) remove illiteracy, and provide free and compulsory primary education within the minimum possible period;

(c) make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work, ensuring that children and women are not employed in a vocations unsuited to their age and sex, and for maternity benefits for women in employment;

(d) enable the people of different areas, through education, training and industrial development, to participate fully in all forms of national activities, including employment in the service of Pakistan;

(e) prevent prostitution, gambling and the taking of injurious drugs; and

(f) prevent the consumption of alcoholic liquor otherwise than for medicinal and, in the case of non-Muslims, religious purposes.

Article 29

The State shall endeavour to -

(a) secure the well-being of the people, irrespective of caste, creed, or race, by raising the standard of living of the common man, by preventing the concentration of wealth and means of production and distribution in the hands of a few to the detriment of the interest of the common man, and by ensuring equitable adjustment of rights between employers and employees, and tenants;

(b) provide for all citizens, within the available resources of the country, facilities for work and adequate livelihood with reasonable rest and leisure;

(c) provide for all persons in the service of Pakistan and private concerns social security by means of compulsory social insurance or otherwise;

(d) provide basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, housing, education and medical relief, for all such citizens, irrespective of caste, creed or race, as are permanently or temporarily unable to earn their livelihood on account of infirmity, sickness or unemployment;

(e) reduce disparity, to a reasonable limit, in the emoluments of persons in the various classes of service of Pakistan; and

(f) eliminate riba as early as possible.

Article 30

The State shall separate the Judiciary from the Executive as soon as practicable.

Article 31

(1) Endeavour shall be made by the State to enable people from all parts of Pakistan to participate in the Defence Services of the country.

(2) Steps shall be taken to achieve parity in the representation of East Pakistan and West Pakistan in all other spheres of Federal administration.

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Source: Documents and Speeches on the Constitution of Pakistan
By G. W. Choudhury (1967). Green Book House, Dacca (East Pakistan)

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