ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) of Pakistan, under the leadership of Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf, is all set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Constitution – a landmark document that serves as the supreme law of the country.
The month-long celebrations will commence on April 10 (Monday), with a series of events to commemorate the founding principles of federal parliamentary democracy, social justice, and equality, as enshrined in the Constitution.
All celebration activities have been meticulously chalked out by a Parliamentary Advisory Committee constituted by the Speaker, including members of both houses of the parliament and headed by seasoned lawmaker Senator Mian Raza Rabbani.
The Speaker will inaugurate the celebrations by laying the foundation stone of the constitution Monument at the site approved by the Advisory Committee, opposite to the Parliamentary Lodges in Islamabad. The monument will serve as a permanent reminder of the Constitution’s importance in the nation’s history.
A wreath-laying ceremony will also be held at the memorial of the unsung heroes of democracy in the Parliament House to pay homage to those who fought for democracy and constitutionalism in Pakistan.
Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf will also inaugurate an exhibition showcasing rare pictures of the framers of the constitution, inspect a commemorative stamp, and then head to the second floor of the parliament building to inspect the original document of the constitution and other manuscripts.
The celebrations will culminate in the National Assembly Session (National Constitution Convention) in the main assembly hall at a convention chaired by the Speaker. The event will be attended by parliamentarians and people from all walks of life.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Advisory Committee Senator Mian Raza Rabbani and other attendees will pay tribute to the framers of the constitution and reflect on its importance as a cornerstone of democracy, justice, and equality in Pakistan.
During the session, a number of resolutions, relating to the Constitution’s recognition as a binding document, its incorporation into the national curriculum, paying homage to the Constitution’s framers, and declaring the State Bank building (old National Assembly Hall) as a National Monument, will also be passed.
The celebrations will be followed by a joint session of the parliament, scheduled for 2 pm, in which members will discuss and reflect upon the constitution’s importance in shaping the destiny of Pakistan.
The golden jubilee of the 1973 Constitution is set to be a landmark event in Pakistan’s history. It centres around celebrating the ideals and principles that define the country’s democratic and progressive identity.
The month-long activities include speech contests in educational institutions, quiz competitions, exhibitions, special TV programmes, newspaper supplements and an international constitution convention on May 10.
