Principles of Policy written in Part II Chapter 2 of the Constitution of Pakistan provide guidelines to state organs/authorities and every official to perform functions according to these principles.
Articles 29 and 30 of the constitution deal with the performance, progress and responsibility with respect to these principles, whereby these principles of policies are laid down in Articles 31 to 40. These principles are providing a pathway to establish a society in accordance with the fundamental principles and basic concepts of Islam.
Promotion of economic and social well being of every individual and eradication of every social evil and social injustice are promised in these guiding principles. But today we see that no official is performing his duties according to these principles.
These have been dumped in the book of constitution only. No serious efforts and sincere decisions are being made to implement these principles in our day to day performance of official duties in our individual capacity.
The immunity laid down in Article 30 is a strong defence for state organs, authorities and officials because according to this article, it is the responsibility of the concerned state organ, authority or official to decide that whether some action is in accordance with these principles or otherwise. Here the abuse of authority starts. The decision and scrutiny for adherence has been left over to the same organs or officials. How can one say wrong or negligent to his own wrongdoings?
According to Article 29 (3), President of Pakistan and Governors of each province will submit their annual reports in their respective assemblies regarding the observance and implementation of these principles of policies. Being a student of constitution, I have never seen any report or heard about any debate in the assemblies on these particular aspects. These principles are the bases of legislation and every law making or analysis of actions done by the state organs or officials must be sifted through these.
It is requested that these annual reports should be make public and with constitutional amendment that wholesome power should be withdrawn from state organs and officials that they are the only authorities in the endorsement of their official actions.
MUHAMMAD WASEEM ELAHI
Islamabad
