The first Constitution of Pakistan was promulgated on 23 March 1956 during the premiership of Chaudhry Muhammad Ali. His administration transitioned the nation from a dominion to a republic, marking a decisive shift in the country's governance.
Early Education and Civil Service
Born in Jalandhar on 15 July 1905, Muhammad Ali pursued scientific studies at the University of the Punjab, earning a Bachelor of Science in chemistry in 1925 and a Master of Science in 1927. He held a lecturing position at Islamia College until 1928, when he entered the Indian Civil Service. His administrative expertise led to his role as an auditor for Bahawalpur state and, in 1936, as private secretary to James Grigg, the Finance Minister of India. By 1945, he served as the first Indian financial adviser to the War Secretary.
Partition and National Administration
In the lead-up to the 1947 partition, Ali worked alongside H.M. Patel and Walter Christir on a document regarding administrative consequences. Upon the establishment of Pakistan, he became Finance Secretary. He was instrumental in building the nation's civil bureaucracy and drafting the first federal budget. Known as the doyen of civil bureaucracy, he moved into ministerial roles, serving as Federal Minister for Finance from 1951 to 1955.
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Appointed Prime Minister on 11 August 1955, Ali oversaw the implementation of the One Unit scheme and managed a three-party coalition. His government successfully promulgated the 1956 constitution, defining Pakistan as an Islamic republic. However, his tenure was marred by internal parliamentary instability. He struggled to maintain control over cabinet appointments and refused to investigate allegations of vote rigging. Following a motion of no confidence and the loss of support from parliamentary leaders, he resigned from the premiership on 8 September 1956.
Later Life and Authorship
Following his exit from government, Ali acted as an advisor to the National Bank. He turned to writing in his later years, publishing The Emergence of Pakistan in 1967 and a work on Ataturk in 1969. He remained in Karachi, where he died of cardiac arrest on 2 December 1982 in the Defence Housing Authority.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 July 1905, Jalandhar
- Died: 2 December 1982, Defence Housing Authority
- Prime Minister of Pakistan: 1955-1956
- Federal Minister for Finance: 1951-1955
- Federal Minister for Defence: 1955-1956
- Education: University of the Punjab, Islamia College
- Notable Works: The Emergence of Pakistan (1967)
- Citizenship: British Raj, Pakistan
Questions readers ask
What was the main achievement of his time as Prime Minister?
His government oversaw the drafting and promulgation of the first Constitution of Pakistan in 1956, transitioning the country into a republic.
Why did he resign as Prime Minister?
He resigned after failing to maintain party control and losing a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly.
Did he have a background in government before the formation of Pakistan?
Yes, he served in the Indian Civil Service starting in 1928, eventually acting as a financial adviser and secretary to the Partition Council.
