ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly this evening [March 12] decided to add a new article to the draft Constitution, moved by way of amendment by the Central Health Minister, Sheikh Mohammad Rashid, and amended further through oral amendments initiated by PPP’s Talibul Maula and Maulana Kausar Niazi, providing that Islamic Socialism which reflects the concept of Musawate Muhammadi, should be the basis of the economy of Pakistan.

The provision — numbered as Article 2A — was passed after over a two-hour heated debate. … Sheikh Rashid had originally moved that “Socialism shall be the basis for the economy of Pakistan”, without defining what “Socialism” actually means. However, it attracted a discussion, punctuated by accusations and counter-accusations, with the Opposition trying to prove that Islam was being shunned by the ruling party. …

Speaking on Sheikh Rashid’s amendment … the NAP leader from Baluchistan, Mr Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo said that by claiming Islam was its religion, Socialism was its economy and democracy was its politics, the PPP was trying to throw dust in the eyes of the people, as, he said, the three things could never go together. — Special Representative

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2023