Contents hide
1 Objectives Behind The Inclusion Of Articles 62 And 63
1.1 Introduction
1.2 What Articles 62 and 63 say in plain words
1.3 Main objectives behind adding these articles
1.3.1 Give the state an Islamic character
1.3.2 Set moral standards for legislators
1.3.3 Build a loyal political class
1.3.4 Weaken liberal and opposing voices
1.3.5 Institutionalize control under military regimes
1.4 How the articles were used in practice
1.4.1 During Ziaul Haq’s rule
1.4.2 During Pervez Musharraf’s rule
1.5 Problems and criticisms
1.6 Practical suggestions to reduce misuse
1.7 Simple checklist for fairness
1.8 Conclusion

This post explains “Objectives behind the inclusion of articles 62 and 63 in 1973 constitution. What are these articles and what they are about?”

Objectives Behind The Inclusion Of Articles 62 And 63

Introduction

Articles 62 and 63 of Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution set rules about who can be a member of Parliament and when a member can be disqualified. These articles became highly visible after high‑profile disqualifications drew public attention. They were added and expanded under military rulers and have been used both as a moral standard and as a political tool. The following explains their aims in simple and clear language.

What Articles 62 and 63 say in plain words

  • Article 62 lists who is eligible to be a member of Parliament, including basic requirements like citizenship and age, and also moral qualities such as being truthful and trustworthy.
  • Article 63 lists conditions that disqualify a person from Parliament, such as insolvency, insanity, or loss of citizenship, and other grounds set by law.

Should The Articles 62, 63 Be Amended Or Deleted?

Articles 62 And 63

Main objectives behind adding these articles

Give the state an Islamic character

  • The language requiring moral and religious qualities reflected a goal to align public office with Islamic values and to give the constitution a stronger religious tone.

Set moral standards for legislators

  • The rules were meant to promote honesty, integrity, and good conduct among lawmakers so citizens could expect principled representation.

Build a loyal political class

  • The provisions allowed those in power to shape legislatures by excluding opponents and ensuring that more compliant lawmakers entered Parliament.

Weaken liberal and opposing voices

  • Subjective moral tests could be used to keep secular or liberal politicians out of the legislature, helping rulers implement ideological programs without strong parliamentary resistance.

Institutionalize control under military regimes

  • Military rulers used these articles to formalize a political elite aligned with their rule, helping them contain or marginalize political rivals.

How the articles were used in practice

During Ziaul Haq’s rule

  • The provisions were emphasized and applied to reshape legislatures and support the government’s Islamisation program.

During Pervez Musharraf’s rule

  • The articles were expanded with additional clauses that made it easier to remove or block opponents and to create a controlled political environment.

Problems and criticisms

  • Subjective language makes enforcement uneven because terms like truthful and trustworthy lack clear legal definition.
  • The rules can be and have been used for political ends rather than solely to protect public morals.
  • Legal uncertainty and selective application generate prolonged court battles and political instability.
  • Voter choice can be undermined when candidates are excluded on vague grounds.

Practical suggestions to reduce misuse

  • Define key terms in law so they are applied consistently.
  • Require transparent procedures and clear evidence before a candidate is disqualified.
  • Limit disqualification to specific, verifiable grounds such as criminal conviction.
  • Ensure fair appeals and judicial review to protect rights and maintain trust.
  • Publish reasons and legal reasoning whenever disqualification occurs to improve accountability.

Simple checklist for fairness

  • Are the terms in Articles 62 and 63 clearly defined by law?
  • Do disqualification decisions follow transparent, evidence‑based procedures?
  • Can affected persons appeal decisions in a timely way?
  • Do the rules protect voters’ right to choose and prevent political manipulation?

Conclusion

The inclusion of Articles 62 and 63 aimed to raise moral standards and give the state a stronger Islamic identity, but they also became tools for political control. To keep their intended purpose while protecting democracy, the articles need clearer definitions, fair procedures, and stronger safeguards against misuse. These changes would help balance the goal of ethical public life with respect for voters’ choices and democratic processes.

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