Islamabad, April 11, 2023 (PPI-OT):The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) under the leadership of Vice President (Academics), Professor Dr. Ayaz Afsar along with team of university male and female students participated in the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, a landmark document that laid the foundation of a democratic and progressive society in the country. These celebrations were held at the National Assembly of Pakistan, Islamabad where Vice Chancellors of around one hundred Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) across the country participated with students on the invitation of the National Assembly, speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf. The month-long celebrations commenced on April 10, 2023, with a series of events to commemorate the founding principles of federal parliamentary democracy, social justice, and equality, as enshrined in the Constitution, 1973.
These activities have been meticulously chalked out by a Parliamentary Advisory Committee, constituted by the Speaker, drawing Members from both Houses of Parliament and headed by seasoned parliamentarian Senator Main Raza Rabbani. On the commemorative day of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, the Speaker of the National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf inaugurated the celebrations by laying the foundation stone of the Constitution Monument at the site approved by the Advisory Committee, opposite Parliamentary Lodges, D-Chowk Islamabad. The monument will serve as a permanent reminder of the importance of the Constitution in the nation’s history. This inaugural was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial of the Unsung Heroes of Democracy in the Parliament House, paying homage to those who fought for democracy and constitutionalism in Pakistan.
On this occasion the Speaker National Assembly also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing rare pictures of the Constitution’s framers, inspected a commemorative stamp, and then headed to the second floor of the Parliament to inspect the original Constitution and other manuscripts. The advisory committee head Senator Raza Rabbani gathered all the heads of the HEI’s at the inaugural place where they were briefed about the historic background regarding creation of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973. These celebrations culminated followed by a National Constitution Convention in the main assembly hall which was attended by parliamentarians and people from all walks of life. The Convention was chaired by the Speaker.
Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Advisory Committee Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, and other attendees paid tribute to the framers of the Constitution and reflected on how it has served as a cornerstone of democracy, justice, and equality in Pakistan. The session also passed a number of resolutions related to the Constitution’s recognition as a binding document, its incorporation into the national curriculum, homage to the Constitution’s framers, and declaring the State Bank building (old National Assembly Hall) as a National Monument. The celebrations were also attended by male and female students at the National Assembly of Pakistan where Prof. Dr. Ayaz Afsar Vice President (Academics), IIUI during the discussion with students shared the importance of the Constitution in shaping the destiny of Pakistan.
The Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 promises to be a landmark event in Pakistan’s history, celebrating the ideals and principles that define the country’s democratic and progressive identity. On this occasion IIUI Alumnae Mr. Salman Jaah serving in Parliament House as Deputy Secretary and Mrs. Maryam Idrees from Electronic Media Islamabad welcomed the university delegation while, students of the university remained enthusiastic during the entire activities and thanked the university administration for enabling them to participate in such an important and commutative ceremony held at National Assembly of Pakistan.
The month-long activities include speech contests in educational institutions, quiz competition, exhibitions, special programs by electronic media, newspaper supplements, issuance of commemorative coin and stamp as well as an international constitution convention on May 10, 2023.
For more information, contact:
Public Relations,
International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
Room No.118, Admin Block, New Campus,
H-10 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9019249
Fax: +92-51-9257909
Email: iiuipublicrelations@iiu.edu.pk
Website: www.iiu.edu.pk