Pakistan's Second Constituent Assembly Turmoil, Shaping a Nation

The Second Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, which operated from 1955 to 1958, was a critical phase in the country's political history. This period was marked by political turmoil, constitutional debates, and the eventual imposition of martial law. The assembly played a pivotal role in shaping the constitutional framework of Pakistan, addressing issues of provincial autonomy, linguistic diversity, and the balance of power between the central and provincial governments.

Background:

The First Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, formed in 1947, had promulgated the country's first constitution in 1956. However, internal dissensions, particularly over issues related to language and provincial autonomy, led to the dissolution of the assembly in 1954. In the subsequent years, political instability increased, with changes in government and a struggle for power between various political factions.

Formation of the Second Constituent Assembly:

Amidst this political turmoil, Governor-General Iskander Mirza dissolved the first constituent assembly and declared martial law in 1958, dismissing the political leadership. He then appointed a new set of bureaucrats to run the country. However, recognizing the need for political legitimacy, Mirza announced the formation of the Second Constituent Assembly in 1955.

The assembly comprised elected representatives from both West and East Pakistan. The new assembly faced the daunting task of drafting a constitution that could accommodate the diverse interests of the country's various regions and linguistic communities.

Key Issues and Debates:

1. Provincial Autonomy: One of the primary issues that the assembly grappled with was the question of provincial autonomy. The East and West Pakistan had distinct linguistic and cultural identities, and there were concerns about the equitable distribution of resources and political power. The assembly deliberated on the distribution of legislative and executive powers between the central and provincial governments.
2. One Unit Scheme: In an attempt to address the concerns of smaller provinces about the dominance of larger provinces, the assembly implemented the "One Unit Scheme" in 1955, which

merged the four provinces of West Pakistan into a single administrative unit. This move aimed to reduce disparities in representation and resources, but it faced opposition, particularly from East Pakistan, which felt marginalized.

3. Language Issue: Language was a contentious issue, especially in East Pakistan where Bengali was the majority language. The assembly debated the status of Urdu and Bengali as official languages and the rights of linguistic minorities. This issue would later contribute to the linguistic and cultural tensions that culminated in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
4. Islamic Principles: The role of Islam in the constitutional framework was another significant debate. The assembly sought to define the relationship between the state and religion, with discussions on the inclusion of Islamic principles in the constitution. The objective was to create a system that reflected the principles of Islam while safeguarding the rights of religious minorities.

Constitutional Developments:

The assembly worked on drafting a new constitution that would address these complex issues. The Constitution of 1956 was promulgated, marking Pakistan's transition to a republic. It established a federal structure with parliamentary democracy, enshrining principles of equality and social justice. However, the political landscape remained volatile, with frequent changes in government and increasing tensions between the central and provincial authorities.

Demise of the Second Constituent Assembly:

The political instability persisted, and in 1958, President Iskander Mirza took a drastic step to maintain control. He declared martial law and appointed General Ayub Khan as the Chief Martial Law Administrator. The constitution was abrogated, and the assembly was dissolved, leading to the suspension of democratic processes. Ayub Khan's assumption of power marked the beginning of a period of military rule in Pakistan that would last for several years.

The demise of the Second Constituent Assembly was a turning point in Pakistan's political history. The aspirations for democratic governance and constitutionalism were set aside in favor of authoritarian

rule. The events that unfolded in 1958 would shape the trajectory of Pakistan's political landscape for decades to come.

Legacy:

The Second Constituent Assembly's legacy is a complex one. On one hand, it made significant strides in addressing key issues such as provincial autonomy and the role of Islam in the state. On the other hand, its dissolution marked a setback for democratic governance, leading to a prolonged period of military rule. The issues and debates that characterized this assembly continue to influence Pakistan's political discourse, and its constitutional developments laid the groundwork for subsequent constitutional amendments and debates.

The Second Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, operating from 1955 to 1958, played a crucial role in shaping the country's constitutional framework. It grappled with complex issues related to provincial autonomy, language, and the role of Islam in the state. Despite its efforts to address these challenges, the assembly was dissolved in 1958, marking the onset of a period of military rule. The events of this period left a lasting impact on Pakistan's political history, influencing subsequent constitutional developments and shaping the ongoing discourse on governance and democracy in the country.