Pakistan became an Islamic republic with the adoption of the 1973 Constitution.
This constitution, which remains in effect today, declared Islam as the state religion and enshrined Islamic principles in the legal system.
The 1973 Constitution replaced the 1962 Constitution, which had been in place since Pakistan's first military coup. The 1962 Constitution had been secular in nature, but the 1973 Constitution marked a shift towards a more Islamic identity.
Here are some key features of the 1973 Constitution that reflect its Islamic nature:
- Declaration of Islam as the state religion: Article 2 of the Constitution states that "Islam shall be the State religion of Pakistan."
- Implementation of Islamic principles: The Constitution outlines a framework for the implementation of Islamic principles in various aspects of life, including the legal system, education, and social welfare.
- Establishment of the Council of Islamic Ideology: This body was created to advise the government on matters related to Islam and to ensure that laws are consistent with Islamic principles.
The 1973 Constitution has been amended several times since its adoption, but its core principles regarding Islam as the state religion remain unchanged.
