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.
CAUSES FOR FAILURE OF 1956-CONSTITUTION
Lack of Leadership
The major reason for failure of constitution of 1956 was lack of political leadership. After
death of Jinnah and Liaquat Ali, no sincere leader of international stature emerged on
the political scenario of country.
Weak Political Parties
In those days there were no organized and disciplined political parties. All were very
weak and were facing many sanctions. No party had absolute majority to form
government.
Political parties were made and dissolved within a night. There was no rule of floor
crossing.
Non-effective Role of Political Parties
Working of democratic systems depends upon the mechanism of party politics. Political
parties represent the public opinion but those days role of political parties was not
effective.
Political parties were not educating and making opinion of public.
Struggle for Power
Another cause for failure of 1956-constitution was struggle for power between the head
of the state and legislature.
We can say that President Iskinder Mirza continuously interfered in affairs of legislature.
Socio-Economic Contradictions
After Feroz Khan Noon became PM, inflation went on its peak due to hoarding. This
resulted in unfair distribution of wealth. Rich was getting richer and poor was getting
poorer.
So, we can say that socio-economic contradictions also played a role in failure of this
constitution.
Dead lock on Electoral Issue
Dead lock on the issue of separate and joint election, between two provinces was also
cause of failure of 1956-constitution. Framers of constitution of 1956 failed to resolve
this issue.
Unicameral System
I956-constitution introduced one house for legislation which also became a cause for
failure of this constitution.
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.
No Rule of Law
Another reason for failure of 1956-constitution was that, instead of rule of law there was
rule of person in the country.
Refugee Problems
In those days, Muslims were migrating to Pakistan from various parts of India.
Government was also busy in their rehabilitation and could not pay attention towards
political and constitutional instability in country.
