The most violated government document in Pakistan — the Constitution — celebrated its first 50 years on April 10, 2023. It is after all the first document framed by a house elected directly by the people of Pakistan. It was finally gotten right after the adventures of 1956 and 1962. The 1956 constitution was abrogated after which came 1962, another attempt at constitution-making which was put to rest in 1969. The latest and current constitution was made on the smouldering remains of the debacle of 1971.

The nation was then bitterly divided — as it is now — on political lines, riven by economic, social and economic problems, still not having recovered from the trauma of the eastern wing’s loss. But even in these difficult circumstances, the parties in parliament began the torturous yet vital task of framing a new basic law. Since then it has witnessed many upheavals. Still it continues to be a guiding light for the continuation of people’s power in the country.