“Civil awards, once symbols of merit and national pride, risk losing their essence when tangled in the web of political agendas. The true value of these honors lies in their ability to recognize genuine service, not in serving as tools of influence.”
Why Was Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Against Giving Civilian Awards Except in Two or Three Categories?
“Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto believed that serving one’s nation is a sacred duty, not a pursuit of accolades. He advocated limiting civilian awards to a few categories, emphasizing that true patriotism thrives on responsibility, not the lure of recognition.”
This article reflects on a significant moment from the drafting of Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution. It highlights a discussion involving Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, one of the key authors of the Constitution, and former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (ZAB). The focus is on Bhutto’s views regarding the inclusion of ‘civil awards’ in the Constitution, particularly under Article 259.
Background on the 1973 Constitution
The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan is considered a landmark document in the country’s legal history. It was drafted and passed through negotiations between the government and opposition, led by figures like Abdul Hafeez Pirzada and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. The Constitution was nearly unanimously approved, with only a few lawmakers abstaining from signing.
Bhutto’s Views on Civil Awards
During the drafting process, Bhutto expressed a strong opinion against the need for civil awards for public service. According to Pirzada, Bhutto believed that serving the nation is a patriotic duty, not something that should be rewarded with honors. Bhutto was of the view that as responsible Pakistanis, fulfilling duties towards the country should be done without expecting any recognition. He suggested limiting civilian awards to only two or three categories, reflecting his belief that public service should not be incentivized with accolades.
Article 259: ‘AWARDS’
Despite Bhutto’s reservations, Article 259, titled ‘AWARDS,’ was incorporated into the Constitution. This article outlines the conditions under which civil awards can be given to citizens. However, Bhutto’s emphasis on minimizing these awards demonstrated his stance that public service should come from a sense of duty rather than a desire for recognition.
The Supreme Court Hearing
The discussion about Bhutto’s views on civil awards was brought up by Abdul Hafeez Pirzada during a Supreme Court hearing in Islamabad. The bench was headed by former Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry. Pirzada shared this insight while addressing the court, recalling Bhutto’s statements from the time of the Constitution’s drafting.
Conclusion
This article provides a glimpse into the principles held by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto during the formation of the 1973 Constitution. His belief in serving the nation without the need for awards highlights his dedication to the concept of patriotism. Although Article 259 was included in the Constitution, Bhutto’s views on limiting civil awards continue to reflect the importance of selfless service to the country.
