He clearly mentions that he expected the constitution to be based on Islamic principles safeguarding rights of the minorities. Is this any different than the Misaq-e-Medina that Rasool-e-Karim entered into with the non-Muslim tribes of Medina and we as Muslims consider Medina to be the first Islami Riyasat. "The constitution of Pakistan has yet to be framed by the Pakistan Constituent Assembly. I do not know what the ultimate shape of this constitution is going to be, but I am sure that it will be of a democratic type, embodying the essential principle of Islam. Today, they are as applicable in actual life as they were 1,300 years ago. Islam and its idealism have taught us democracy. It has taught equality of man, justice and fairplay to everybody. We are the inheritors of these glorious traditions and are fully alive to our responsibilities and obligations as framers of the future constitution of Pakistan. In any case Pakistanis not going to be a theocratic State to be ruled by priests with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims --Hindus, Christians, and Parsis --but they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other citizens and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan." (Broadcast talk to the people of the United States of America on Pakistan recorded February, 1948.)
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:59:26 +0000