Principles of Policy 29 to 40
The Principles of Policy are outlined in Part II of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, under
Articles 29 to 40. These principles provide a broad framework for the governance of Pakistan, guiding
state policies, legislative actions, and the development of laws in the country. Although these principles
are not legally enforceable in a court of law, they serve as important guidelines for lawmakers, the
executive, and other state organs to work toward the welfare of the people, social justice, and the
promotion of public interest. Below is a detailed explanation of the Principles of Policy in the
Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, with references to specific articles:
Article 29: Application of Principles of Policy
Article 29 sets out the general principle that the Principles of Policy are intended to guide the state's
actions in governance. This article emphasizes that these principles should inform the government’s
legislative, executive, and judicial functions, ensuring that laws and policies align with the broader goals
of justice, welfare, and social progress.
Article 30: State’s Responsibility to Promote Welfare
This article underscores the state's responsibility to make policies and enact laws that promote the
welfare of the people and align with the Islamic principles of justice, equality, and fairness. It
mandates that the state must seek to eliminate poverty, inequality, and discrimination in order to
ensure the prosperity and social well-being of the citizens.
Article 31: Promotion of Islamic Way of Life
Article 31 lays down the obligation for the state to promote the Islamic way of life. This article is
foundational to Pakistan’s identity as an Islamic state. It calls for the establishment of an economic,
political, and social order in line with the teachings of Islam, based on principles of justice,
fairness, and morality as set out in the Quran and Sunnah. This includes promoting the teachings of
the Quran and Sunnah, encouraging respect for Islamic values, and ensuring that Islamic laws and
practices are respected.
Article 32: Promotion of Local Government Institutions
Article 32 mandates the promotion of local government institutions and the decentralization of
powers to enhance citizen participation and self-governance. The article encourages the formation and
strengthening of local bodies that would contribute to the effective governance of communities, ensuring
that decisions are made at the grassroots level.
Article 33: Duties of the State in the Development of Resources
Article 33 emphasizes that the state must utilize the resources of Pakistan for the welfare of the
people, ensuring economic self-sufficiency and social development. The state must aim to enhance
productivity, reduce poverty, and use its resources for the common good. This involves the balanced
development of all regions of the country, particularly the less developed areas, and equitable
distribution of resources.
Article 34: Full Participation of Women in National Life
Article 34 emphasizes the need for equal opportunities for women to fully participate in national life.
It specifically calls for the removal of obstacles that prevent women from contributing to the
development of the country. This includes promoting their education, economic participation, and
representation in leadership roles. It highlights the importance of ensuring gender equality and
empowering women in all spheres of life.
Article 35: Protection of the Family
Article 35 seeks to protect the family as the fundamental unit of society. It mandates that the state
must adopt measures to ensure the welfare of families by promoting family values. This includes
safeguarding the rights of mothers, children, and ensuring the family’s protection from exploitation.
The state should also provide support for the education, health, and well-being of the family unit.
Article 36: Protection of Minorities
This article obligates the state to take steps to protect the religious, cultural, and linguistic rights
of minorities in Pakistan. It mandates that the law and state policy must ensure that minorities are
allowed to practice their religion, culture, and traditions freely, without any fear or oppression. The state
must also take steps to ensure that minorities are represented in decision-making processes and have
access to the same rights and privileges as the majority population.
Article 37: Promotion of Social Justice and Eradication of Social Evils
Article 37 is one of the most important provisions regarding social justice. It lays down that the state
must strive for social justice, aiming to eliminate poverty, illiteracy, and exploitation. The state
must ensure that all citizens have access to education, employment, and healthcare. Additionally,
the state must work toward the eradication of social evils such as child labor, untouchability,
exploitation of workers, and other harmful practices.
Article 38: Promotion of Social and Economic Well-Being of the People
Article 38 requires the state to ensure the social and economic well-being of all citizens. This
includes steps to reduce poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. It also calls for providing
access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and housing for all citizens, especially for the
disadvantaged. The state is expected to take proactive measures to improve the living conditions of the
people, with a particular focus on the marginalized groups.
Articles 39-40: Protection of Cultural Heritage and Promotion of
International Cooperation
Article 39 calls for the protection of Pakistan's cultural heritage, ensuring that the diversity of
languages, traditions, and cultural practices is maintained and promoted. The state should work towards
the preservation and enhancement of the national identity while also fostering respect for other
cultures.
Article 40 emphasizes the need for the promotion of international peace and security. Pakistan
should contribute to global efforts for peace, cooperation, and conflict resolution, while also promoting
diplomatic relations based on mutual respect and understanding. This reflects Pakistan’s commitment
to global harmony, justice, and cooperation.
Conclusion:
The Principles of Policy in the Constitution of Pakistan (1973) provide a broad and forward-looking
framework to guide state actions and ensure a just, prosperous, and welfare-oriented society. These
principles focus on promoting social justice, economic development, gender equality, protection
of minorities, and the welfare of all citizens. They align Pakistan's national policies with the ethical,
social, and religious ideals outlined in Islam, while promoting democracy, human rights, and international
peace.
Although the Principles of Policy are not justiciable (i.e., they cannot be enforced by the courts), they
form a vital part of the Constitutional framework, and their application is critical for achieving the
nation's objectives of social justice and economic progress. They serve as an important reference
point for both policy-making and the development of laws that aim to serve the public good and
reflect the values enshrined in the Constitution
