On Constitutions and Constitutionalism in Pakistan

Abstract

After differentiating between a constitution and the concept of constitutionalism, and their respective spheres, the paper seeks to look into these spheres with respect to the experience of Pakistan. As the three constitutions that Pakistan has worked with, had been subjected to violation to the extent of abrogation or suspension or having been put in abeyance, the article argues that a constitution no matter how carefully it is made, cannot by itself ensure its survival. The causes behind a constitution‘s failure in ensuring its sustainability lie in the society and the state that manages it. Here, the notion of constitutionalism comes into ones purview. The article seeks to see to what extent the spirit of, and adherence to, constitutionalism exists in the country, in its society and in its state. ______