RAWALPINDI: President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto today [April 12] authenticated the Constitu­tion of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan dec­laring that the people of Pakistan will protect it for all times to come. Speaking after affixing his signatures on the document adopted by the Constituent Assembly on April 10 at an impressive ceremony at the Presidency, he said it was the property of the people and they are the best suited to protect it.

“The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is the Constitution of the people of Pakistan and they are the best suited to speak for it,” the President said, amidst loud applause from a large and distinguished gathering. The authentication, held under shamianas on the lawns of the Presidency, started 45 minutes behind schedule as the procession of the National Assembly members bringing the master copy of the Constitution arrived late.

This was because surging crowds impeded the progress of the procession from the National Assembly building in Islamabad to the Presidency in Rawalpindi. The invitees to the ceremony cheered as the National Assembly members, headed by Speaker Ch Fazal Elahi reached the venue. A fanfare of trumpets heralded the arrival of the President in the adjacent lawn. — News agencies

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2023