In the intricate tapestry of the Constitution of Pakistan, Article 38 stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward social and economic well-being. Enshrined in the 1973 Constitution, this article carries the promise of a better life for all citizens. In this blog post, we’ll unravel the significance of Article 38, exploring its key points and how it shapes the nation’s commitment to uplifting its people’s standard of living.
Overview of Article 38 of the Constitution of Pakistan
Article 38 of Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution stands as a testimony to its state’s role in assuring the social and economic well-being of its people. This comprehensive provision sets forth an agenda outlining their government’s dedication towards safeguarding citizens irrespective of gender, caste, creed or race.
Article 38 States
38. Promotion of social and economic well-being of the people.
The State shall :
- secure the well-being of the people, irrespective of sex, caste, creed or race, by raising their standard of living, by preventing the concentration of wealth and means of production and distribution in the hands of a few to the detriment of general interest and by ensuring equitable adjustment of rights between employers and employees, and landlords and tenants;
- provide for all citizens, within the available resources of the country, facilities for work and adequate livelihood with reasonable rest and leisure;
- provide for all persons employed in the service of Pakistan or otherwise, social security by compulsory social insurance or other means;
- provide basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing. housing, education and medical relief, for all such citizens, irrespective of sex, caste, creed or race, as are permanently or temporarily unable to earn their livelihood on account of infirmity, sickness or unemployment;
- reduce disparity in the income and earnings of individuals, including persons in the various classes of the service of Pakistan;
- eliminate riba as early as possible; and
- the shares of the Provinces in all federal services, including autonomous bodies and corporations established by, or under the control of, the Federal Government, shall be secured and any omission in the allocation of the shares of the Provinces in the past shall be recitified.
Key Points of Article 38 of the Constitution of Pakistan
Article 38 is a multifaceted provision that encompasses several key points, each addressing a critical aspect of promoting social and economic well-being. These key points include: Securing Wellbeing: Article 38(a) requires that the state ensure the wellbeing of all its citizens in an attempt to raise their standard of living while limiting concentration of wealth and means of production among a few individuals or corporations.
Subsection (b) mandates that governments ensure sufficient work facilities, livelihood, rest, and leisure opportunities are available for all citizens within available national resources.
Social Security: Article 38(c) highlights the significance of providing all individuals employed by Pakistan with some form of social protection, either via mandatory social insurance coverage or other methods.
Provision of Basic Necessities: Under Article 38(d), states are obliged to ensure essential requirements, such as food, clothing, housing, education and medical relief are accessible for people unable to support themselves due to disability, sickness or unemployment.
Reducing Income Disparity: Subsection (e) is a call to action to reduce disparities in the income and earnings of individuals, including those within various classes of the service of Pakistan.
Elimination of Riba: Article 38(f) emphasizes the need to eliminate riba, an Islamic financial principle often associated with usury, as early as possible.
Allocation of Provincial Shares: Lastly, the article ensures that the shares of the provinces in all federal services, including autonomous bodies and corporations under the control of the Federal Government, are protected and rectified if there have been omissions in the past.
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Crux of Article 38 of the Constitution of Pakistan
Article 38 stands out for its commitment to Pakistanis’ holistic development and wellbeing, acting as an umbrella guiding state policy towards eliminating poverty, increasing equitable wealth distribution, protecting individual rights and well-being of citizens and upholding Islamic financial principles that aim to reduce disparities while improving life quality for all Pakistanis.
Conclusion: Article 38 of the Constitution of Pakistan
Conclusion Ultimately, Article 38 of Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution stands as evidence of its commitment to improving social and economic well-being for its citizens. It establishes an inclusive framework that illustrates this dedication by setting out measures designed to reduce poverty, address income inequality and ensure welfare of individuals regardless of background or circumstance. Thus it stands as a beacon leading the nation into a future marked by prosperity and equality for all its people.
With its emphasis on Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution and Article 38 as its foundational document, this provision serves as a cornerstone of its commitment to improving people’s wellbeing, reflecting values and aspirations shared among society members.
