Course Contents

• Pre-partition constitutional and political history: Colonial legacy and its impact on Constitutional & Political development in Pakistan • The state of undivided India: Salient features of Mughal and British Administration, Political developments • Pre-partition Constitutional History: Salient feature of the Government of India Act 1935 • Constitutional and political developments between 1940-1947: Pakistan Resolution, Cripps’ Mission, Elections to Provincial and Central Legislature of 1945-46, Cabinet Mission Plan, Independence Act, Princely States of India • Post-partition problems: Interim Constitution, Basic Principles of Constitution, Kashmir Issue, Death of Jinnah • Objective Resolution 1949: Salient features, Proposed amendments • Constitution of 1956: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Parliamentary form of Government, Functions and powers of president, Federal and Provincial Governments, Distribution of powers between Center and Provinces, Judiciary, Islamic Provisions • Constitution of 1962: Presidential form of Government, Powers of President, Centralized Federal System, Distribution of Financial resources between Center and Provinces, Elections through Electoral College • Separation of East Pakistan: Factors leading towards separation of East Pakistan, Role of Politicians, Bureaucracy, Army and external forces in the separation • Constitution of 1973: Fundamental Rights, Principles of State Policy, Federal Government and Legislature, Provincial Government and Legislature, Distribution of power between Federal and Provincial Governments, Islamic Provisions, Other features • Martial Laws: Role of four Military dictators in political and constitutional development in Pakistan, Constitutional Amendments • Constitutional and Political issues of Pakistan: Weak Political Parties, Debate over Form of Government, Role of Legislature, Judiciary, Military, Bureaucracy; Issue of Provincial Autonomy, Religion and the State, Fundamental Rights and Civil Liberties, Corruption and Coercion

Course Synopsis

This course introduces students to the historical background of the creation of Pakistan and also throws light on the political process of development of its constitution.

Course Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to: • Understand the key events that led to the creation of constitution of Pakistan. • Analyze the current situation of Pakistan in the light of the past. • Identify various perspectives and develop their own historical understanding. • Analyze various political and constitutional phases of Pakistan