Fundamental rights are the cornerstone of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, ensuring that every citizen is guaranteed basic freedoms and protections. These rights are enshrined to safeguard the dignity, liberty, equality, and justice of individuals within the country.
Fundamental rights represent a commitment by the state to uphold and protect the basic freedoms of its citizens, regardless of their gender, religion, or social status. They form a key part of the Constitution and act as a safeguard against the misuse of power by the state.
Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973
The Fundamental Rights are specifically enumerated in Chapter II (Articles 8–28) of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, and they are a vital component of the Constitution. These rights guarantee a broad spectrum of protections for the citizens of Pakistan and include the right to life, liberty, and property, the right to freedom of movement, speech, and assembly, and the protection against discrimination. The chapter also covers protections for religious practices, the right to education, and the inviolability of the individual’s dignity and privacy.
The Constitution sets out clear provisions that outline the scope of these rights and the mechanisms for their enforcement. Article 8 declares that any law that is inconsistent with these rights is void to the extent of its inconsistency, ensuring that the legal framework of the country cannot override the rights guaranteed to individuals. The right to a fair trial is a fundamental right, and it guarantees that citizens are treated equally before the law (Article 10A). Moreover, Article 25 specifically ensures that all citizens are equal before the law, with no discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
These rights are intended to be practical and accessible to all citizens, as they provide the legal means to challenge state actions in court. For example, Article 199 allows citizens to approach the High Courts for the enforcement of their rights. The rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association are enshrined under Articles 19 to 22, ensuring that citizens can participate freely in the democratic process.
In addition, the Constitution makes provisions for social justice, especially for marginalized groups such as women, children, and minorities, and establishes safeguards to protect them from exploitation, forced labour, and discrimination.
Important MCQs on Fundamental Rights (Articles 8–28)
Which article provides protection against retrospective punishment?
- (a) Article 10
- (b) Article 12
- (c) Article 14
- (d) Article 19
- Answer: (b) Article 12
Under Article 10, what is the maximum period of preventive detention without the review board’s approval?
- (a) 15 days
- (b) 1 month
- (c) 3 months
- (d) 6 months
- Answer: (c) 3 months
According to Article 11, what is the minimum age of a child prohibited from hazardous employment?
- (a) 14 years
- (b) 16 years
- (c) 12 years
- (d) 18 years
- Answer: (a) 14 years
Article 25 prohibits discrimination on the basis of what?
- (a) Religion, race, caste, and sex
- (b) Political beliefs and social origin
- (c) Wealth and economic status
- (d) Both (a) and (b)
- Answer: (a) Religion, race, caste, and sex
Which article prohibits the enactment of laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights?
- (a) Article 6
- (b) Article 7
- (c) Article 8
- (d) Article 10
- Answer: (c) Article 8
The right to dignity and privacy is guaranteed under which article?
- (a) Article 12
- (b) Article 14
- (c) Article 15
- (d) Article 16
- Answer: (b) Article 14
Freedom of assembly is subject to what conditions?
- (a) Public order
- (b) Decency and morality
- (c) Consent of law enforcement
- (d) Security clearance
- Answer: (a) Public order
Article 19A, added by the 18th Amendment, ensures the right to:
- (a) Freedom of the press
- (b) Information in public matters
- (c) Fair trial
- (d) Trade and business
- Answer: (b) Information in public matters
Article 22 safeguards individuals from discrimination in:
- (a) Employment opportunities
- (b) Religious education and institutions
- (c) Access to public places
- (d) Judicial proceedings
- Answer: (b) Religious education and institutions
Under which article can laws restricting freedom of speech be made in the interest of public order?
- (a) Article 10A
- (b) Article 19
- (c) Article 16
- (d) Article 14
- Answer: (b) Article 19
Article 18 restricts freedom of trade and profession to ensure:
- (a) National economic control
- (b) Licensing systems and public welfare
- (c) Limited trade monopolies
- (d) Local employment quotas
- Answer: (b) Licensing systems and public welfare
Which article addresses safeguards for minorities?
- (a) Article 18
- (b) Article 20
- (c) Article 21
- (d) Article 25A
- Answer: (b) Article 20
Under Article 26, access to public places cannot be restricted based on:
- (a) Gender
- (b) Religion
- (c) Caste or place of birth
- (d) All of the above
- Answer: (d) All of the above
Which Fundamental Right is related to the prohibition of double jeopardy?
- (a) Article 12
- (b) Article 13
- (c) Article 14
- (d) Article 19
- Answer: (b) Article 13
Freedom of association is subject to reasonable restrictions for:
- (a) Sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan
- (b) Religious harmony
- (c) National economic policies
- (d) Rural development
- Answer: (a) Sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan
Under Article 25A, who is entitled to free and compulsory education?
- (a) All citizens
- (b) Children aged 5–16
- (c) Every adult citizen
- (d) Marginalized communities
- Answer: (b) Children aged 5–16
Article 24 deals with:
- (a) Freedom of speech
- (b) Protection of property
- (c) Equality of citizens
- (d) Rights of children
- Answer: (b) Protection of property
In which article is forced labour prohibited?
- (a) Article 11
- (b) Article 15
- (c) Article 19A
- (d) Article 22
- Answer: (a) Article 11
The principle of equal access to public places is outlined in:
- (a) Article 20
- (b) Article 26
- (c) Article 25
- (d) Article 22
- Answer: (b) Article 26
Article 28 promotes the preservation of:
- (a) National sovereignty
- (b) Languages, scripts, and cultures
- (c) Religious harmony
- (d) Economic equality
- Answer: (b) Languages, scripts, and cultures
Under which article is the privacy of the home considered inviolable?
- (a) Article 9
- (b) Article 14
- (c) Article 16
- (d) Article 18
- Answer: (b) Article 14
What does Article 16 protect?
- (a) Freedom of speech
- (b) Freedom of assembly
- (c) Right to information
- (d) Freedom of trade
- Answer: (b) Freedom of assembly
Safeguards for educational institutions are in which article?
- (a) Article 17
- (b) Article 22
- (c) Article 25
- (d) Article 28
- Answer: (b) Article 22
Protection against self-incrimination is addressed in:
- (a) Article 12
- (b) Article 13
- (c) Article 14
- (d) Article 18
- Answer: (b) Article 13
Article 10A emphasizes:
- (a) Right to privacy
- (b) Right to a fair trial
- (c) Protection of property
- (d) Prohibition of discrimination
- Answer: (b) Right to a fair trial
According to Article 9, no person shall be deprived of their life or liberty except:
- (a) By an order of the Supreme Court
- (b) In accordance with the law
- (c) By executive orders
- (d) By a magistrate’s order
- Answer: (b) In accordance with the law
Article 10 guarantees the right to be informed of the grounds of arrest within how many hours?
- (a) 12 hours
- (b) 24 hours
- (c) 48 hours
- (d) 72 hours
- Answer: (b) 24 hours
What is the main objective of Article 16 regarding freedom of assembly?
- (a) To ensure peaceful and non-violent assembly
- (b) To promote political rallies
- (c) To facilitate trade union formation
- (d) To restrict public gatherings
- Answer: (a) To ensure a peaceful and non-violent assembly
Which of the following rights are guaranteed under Article 19A?
- (a) Right to freedom of speech
- (b) Right to access information
- (c) Right to privacy
- (d) Right to education
- Answer: (b) Right to access information
Which article guarantees equality of citizens before the law, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, etc.?
- (a) Article 13
- (b) Article 25
- (c) Article 24
- (d) Article 28
- Answer: (b) Article 25
The fundamental rights to freedom of religion and to manage religious institutions are guaranteed by which article?
- (a) Article 18
- (b) Article 19
- (c) Article 20
- (d) Article 21
- Answer: (c) Article 20
Which article mandates that all educational institutions provide no discrimination on the grounds of religion?
- (a) Article 17
- (b) Article 21
- (c) Article 22
- (d) Article 23
- Answer: (c) Article 22
According to Article 24, the State may acquire property only for:
- (a) National security purposes
- (b) Public welfare and compensation
- (c) Religious use
- (d) Foreign investment
- Answer: (b) Public welfare and compensation
Under which article is the right to be free from torture guaranteed?
- (a) Article 13
- (b) Article 14
- (c) Article 16
- (d) Article 9
- Answer: (b) Article 14
What does Article 25A guarantee in terms of education?
- (a) Free and compulsory primary education
- (b) Free and compulsory education for children 5 to 16 years
- (c) Free higher education
- (d) Equal access to education for all
- Answer: (b) Free and compulsory education for children 5 to 16 years
According to Article 17, every citizen has the right to form unions subject to restrictions in the interest of:
- (a) Sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan
- (b) Freedom of speech
- (c) Religion
- (d) Political stability
- Answer: (a) Sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan
The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the protection of children’s rights under which article?
- (a) Article 12
- (b) Article 14
- (c) Article 11
- (d) Article 17
- Answer: (c) Article 11
Under which article does the Constitution allow the State to make special provisions for the protection of women and children?
- (a) Article 13
- (b) Article 14
- (c) Article 25
- (d) Article 27
- Answer: (c) Article 25
Which of the following is not a provision under Article 14 (Inviolability of Dignity of Man)?
- (a) Protection against torture
- (b) Protection of privacy
- (c) Protection of reputation
- (d) Protection of religious views
- Answer: (d) Protection of religious views
Which article prohibits discrimination in access to public places based on religion, caste, or race?
- (a) Article 26
- (b) Article 25
- (c) Article 20
- (d) Article 21
- Answer: (a) Article 26
Under which article can the State establish special educational institutions for minorities?
- (a) Article 17
- (b) Article 20
- (c) Article 21
- (d) Article 23
- Answer: (b) Article 20
Which article specifically refers to the right of individuals to be dealt with according to law?
- (a) Article 10
- (b) Article 9
- (c) Article 4
- (d) Article 14
- Answer: (c) Article 4
What does Article 13 prohibit?
- (a) Double punishment
- (b) Forced labour
- (c) Slavery
- (d) Discrimination based on sex
- Answer: (a) Double punishment
Article 18 guarantees freedom of profession subject to:
- (a) Public morality
- (b) Religious sentiments
- (c) Lawful limitations imposed by the state
- (d) All of the above
- Answer: (c) Lawful limitations imposed by the state
Under Article 10A, the right to a fair trial is primarily a right to:
- (a) Speedy trial
- (b) Legal representation
- (c) Due process
- (d) Freedom of speech
- Answer: (c) Due process
Article 19A was introduced through the 18th Amendment and it ensures the right of access to:
- (a) Religious texts
- (b) Information related to public matters
- (c) Judicial rulings
- (d) Political speeches
- Answer: (b) Information related to public matters
Article 25A (Right to Education) applies to children aged:
- (a) 5–15 years
- (b) 5–18 years
- (c) 6–16 years
- (d) 5–16 years
- Answer: (d) 5–16 years
Article 20 guarantees the right to:
- (a) Freedom of religion
- (b) Privacy
- (c) Free movement
- (d) Non-discrimination in services
- Answer: (a) Freedom of religion
What is not a subject of reasonable restrictions in the Constitution of Pakistan’s Fundamental Rights?
- (a) Public order
- (b) National integrity
- (c) Public morality
- (d) Economic fairness
- Answer: (d) Economic fairness
Under Article 26, the right to access public places cannot be denied based on:
- (a) Race or religion
- (b) Political affiliation
- (c) Gender
- (d) Age
- Answer: (a) Race or religion