FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission) · CSS (Central Superior Services)
Objectives Resolution (1949)
Constitutional History of Pakistan
· Pakistan Studies/Affairs
50 MCQs
Showing
1–20
of 50 MCQs
Page 1 / 3
1
On which date was the Objectives Resolution officially passed by the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan?
Answer:
March 12, 1949
The Objectives Resolution was passed in the Constituent Assembly on Saturday, March 12, 1949 [1, 2]. It was moved earlier that week on March 7 by the Prime Minister [3, 4].
2
According to the Preamble of the Objectives Resolution, where does sovereignty over the entire universe belong?
Answer:
To Allah Almighty alone
The resolution explicitly states that sovereignty over the entire universe belongs to God (Allah) Almighty alone [4-6]. The authority exercised by the State is described as a sacred trust delegated by Him [5, 6].
3
The Objectives Resolution stipulates that the State shall exercise its powers through which group?
Answer:
The chosen representatives of the people
The document mandates that the State shall exercise its powers and authority through the chosen representatives of the people [6-8]. Liaquat Ali Khan described this as the very essence of democracy [9, 10].
4
How did Liaquat Ali Khan describe the importance of the Objectives Resolution in the life of Pakistan?
Answer:
Next in importance only to the achievement of independence
Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan considered the moving of the Resolution to be the most important occasion in the country's life, second only to the achievement of independence [3, 11].
5
In his speech, Liaquat Ali Khan rejected the 'technical' definition of theocracy. What did he define it as in that context?
Answer:
Government by ordained priests
Technically, theocracy refers to a government by ordained priests who claim rights from their sacerdotical position [12, 13]. Khan emphasized that this idea is absolutely foreign to Islam, which does not recognize priesthood [12, 13].
6
Which historical example did Liaquat Ali Khan use to illustrate Islamic tolerance toward minorities?
Answer:
The Ottoman Empire giving shelter to Jews
Khan cited history, noting that when anti-Semitism drove Jews out of European countries, it was the Ottoman Empire that provided them haven and shelter [14, 15]. He also noted that minorities in Muslim countries have preserved their religion and culture for centuries [14].
7
According to the sources, which cultural development occurred under Muslim patronage in the subcontinent?
Answer:
The first translations of Hindu scriptures into Bengali
Liaquat Ali Khan pointed out that under Muslim patronage, indigenous languages developed, including the first translations of Hindu scriptures from Sanskrit into Bengali [14, 16].
8
Which member of the Opposition moved an amendment to omit the paragraph regarding God's sovereignty?
Answer:
Mr. Bhupendra Kumar Datta
Mr. Bhupendra Kumar Datta moved an amendment to omit the paragraph beginning with 'Whereas sovereignty over the entire universe...' [17, 18]. He argued that politics belongs to the domain of reason while religion belongs to the domain of faith [19, 20].
9
What was Bhupendra Kumar Datta’s primary fear regarding the Preamble of the Resolution?
Answer:
That a 'political adventurer' might use it to justify absolute authority
Datta feared that a future political adventurer might forge a link between the delegation of God's authority and themselves to claim they are a ruler anointed by their Maker, thereby stifling criticism [21, 22].
10
Dr. Ishtiaq Husain Qureshi argued against the divorce of religion and politics by stating that:
Answer:
Reason is fashioned by faith and faith by reason
Qureshi contended that a split personality is impossible because reason is fashioned by faith and vice versa [23, 24]. He stated that whenever politics is divorced from ethical principles (found in faith), humanity faces disaster [25].
11
According to Dr. Qureshi, what is the 'real political safeguard' for any minority in a state?
Answer:
To win the affection and respect of the majority
Qureshi argued that while legal safeguards are necessary, the real political safeguard for any minority is to win the affection and respect of the majority [26, 27]. He emphasized that the behaviour of the people is the ultimate guarantee [27].
12
Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Osmani stated that the real basis of the Islamic State is 'Shura'. What does this term mean?
Answer:
Mutual consultation
Osmani cited the Quran to explain that an Islamic State conducts its affairs by mutual consultation, known as Shura [28]. He noted this principle installed a Head of State elected by the people instead of a king [29].
13
Mian Iftikharuddin compared the wording of the Resolution's Preamble to the constitutions of which other entities?
Answer:
The British Empire and the Irish Free State
Iftikharuddin noted that the wording was not a 'new discovery' and was similar to the Irish constitution and the British Empire, where authority is often derived 'by the Grace of God' [30, 31].
14
Which member of the Assembly moved to have the Resolution circulated for 'eliciting public opinion' before passing it?
Answer:
Mr. Prem Hari Barma
Mr. Prem Hari Barma moved that the motion be circulated for public opinion by April 30, 1949, arguing that such a vital document governing future generations should not be passed in 'hot haste' [32, 33].
15
What was the result of Prem Hari Barma's motion to circulate the Resolution for public opinion?
Answer:
The motion was negatived
After a brief debate where Liaquat Ali Khan argued that Members had already had the Resolution for six days and the House was not 'thin,' the motion was negatived [34, 35].
16
Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan stated that the Quran does not merely teach and guide, but also:
Answer:
Instructs the understanding and stimulates the intellect
Zafrulla Khan emphasized that Islam and the Quran richly satisfy intellectual earnings and provide for the continuous stimulation of intellectual faculties [36]. He stated that faith does not do violence to one's reason [36].
17
According to Zafrulla Khan, what is the function of religion regarding the relationship between man and his Maker?
Answer:
To establish and maintain the most harmonious relationship
Zafrulla Khan defined religion as a way of life intended to establish the most harmonious relationship between man and his Maker and between man and man in all aspects [37, 38].
18
In the economic sphere, which Islamic practice was specifically mentioned by Zafrulla Khan as an illustration of wealth distribution?
Answer:
The levy and collection of Zakat
Khan used Zakat and the Islamic system of inheritance as illustrations of regulations designed to secure the most beneficent distribution of wealth [39].
19
Which social evils did Zafrulla Khan suggest the constitution should enable Muslims to 'stamp out'?
Answer:
Gambling and the use of intoxicants
He cited the prohibition against gambling and intoxicants as social injunctions that the constitution should enable Muslims to enforce within their own society [40].
20
What story did Zafrulla Khan recount to demonstrate the Holy Prophet's (PBUH) tolerance toward other faiths?
Answer:
Inviting a Christian deputation to worship in his mosque
Khan shared an incident where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) allowed a Christian deputation to perform their worship using their own crosses and images inside his mosque in Medina [41].
