In order to ensure the rule of law, all provisions of the Constitution must be implemented equally
LAHORE: Is there any constitution in the world that envisages only a partial implementation of it? The answer is obviously no. In the current scenario, our parliamentarians are referring to the Constitution time and again because their interests are at stake. Here comes the question: is there any article in the 1973 Constitution that makes only its partial implementation legal? Does Article 9, the most sacred right to life, has no importance when it is manifestly violated in different forms on a daily basis? This article includes ancillary rights as well, such as the right to safe drinking water and other basic necessities of life. Why is it always the common man who is unable to benefit from the Constitution? It is crystal clear from some recent events that even in this modern and so-called democratic era, the Constitution seems to be a toy in the hands of few powerful people. Whenever their interests are at stake, they start to play ‘constitution-constitution’. It also tells us that our rulers have no respect for the Constitution in its totality; they are interested only in the implementation of some selected provisions that benefit them. This amounts to the abrogation of the Constitution.
In order to ensure the rule of law, all provisions of the Constitution must be implemented equally. This will bring true democracy to Pakistan and welfare to the people.
Muhammad Akmal Dogar
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2014.
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