Overview Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan
Article 6 of Pakistan’s Constitution is one of its cornerstones, as it details high treason crimes and their punishment. Either death or life imprisonment for those found guilty.
This article is vitally important because it safeguards the Constitution itself. As the supreme law of the land, any attempt at overthrowing it would constitute an attack against our society. Thus Article 6 ensures anyone trying to break up or overthrow it will be severely punished by law.
This article also ensures Pakistan’s sovereignty is safeguarded. Sovereignty refers to a state’s more rights than the government itself without external interference, as characterized by this article. Any demonstration that undermines Pakistan’s power would be considered treason. For examples could include trying to cede part of Pakistan to another nation, aiding or aiding an enemy of Pakistan, etc.
Article 6 safeguards Pakistan’s integrity and security. Integrity refers to its territorial unity security refers to its ability to defend itself against internal and external threats. It stipulates that any act that undermines the integrity or security of Pakistan will be seen as treasonous behavior and acts like terrorism, espionage, or sabotage will be punished.
Article 6 States
6. High treason
(1) Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance, the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.
(2) Any person aiding or abetting [or collaborating] the acts mentioned in clause (1) shall likewise be guilty of high treason.
(2A) An act of high treason mentioned in clause (1) or clause (2) shall not be validated by any court including the Supreme Court and a High Court.
(3) Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) shall by law provide for the punishment of persons found guilty of high treason.
Key points of Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan
- Article 6 provides that anyone who subverts, abrogates, or holds in abeyance the Constitution through force or show of force shall be guilty of high treason.
- Any individual aiding or abetting such an act shall also be guilty of high treason.
- High treason is punishable with either death or life imprisonment.
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Article 6: High Treason
Article 6 of Pakistan’s Constitution defines high treason very clearly. Anything that undermines Pakistan’s sovereignty, integrity, or security constitutes treasonous conduct and must be dealt with accordingly. This includes acts like:
- Overthrowing the government by force or military coup
- Attempting to overthrow the government by force or military coup
- Aiding or abetting the overthrow of the government by force or military coup
- Conspiring to overthrow the government by force or military coup
- Attempting to cede any part of Pakistan to another country
- Aiding or abetting the cession of any part of Pakistan to another country
- Conspiring to cede any part of Pakistan to another country
Crux of Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan
Article 6 of Pakistan’s Constitution seeks to preserve its sovereignty, integrity, and security by outlining high treason as any action that undermines these principles. It sends the important signal that any attempt at overthrowing or ceding any portion of Pakistan will be met swiftly with justice and severe penalties will follow.
Read more about the Constitution of Pakistan
Conclusion: Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan
Article 6 of Pakistan’s Constitution serves an integral function. It safeguards Pakistan’s sovereignty, integrity, and security by outlining high treason as a criminal offense and its punishment. Reminding all who attempt to undermine Pakistan, that any attempts at subverting their state will not be accepted or tolerated is also part of this message.
