Provision:
Promotion of Social and Economic Well-being of the People
The State shall:
- Secure the well-being of the people, irrespective of sex, caste, creed, or race.
- Provide basic necessities of life (food, clothing, housing, education, and medical relief) to all citizens, particularly the needy.
- Reduce disparity in wealth and eliminate exploitation.
- Ensure equitable adjustment of rights between employers and employees.
- Provide for the elderly, the unemployed, the sick, and those unable to earn a livelihood.
- Prevent concentration of wealth and means of production in the hands of a few.
Meaning:
Article 38 places a constitutional duty on the State to pursue economic justice and protect citizens from poverty, inequality, and exploitation. It envisions a welfare-oriented system where resources and opportunities are fairly distributed and no one is left behind.
This Article aims to shift Pakistan towards a more equitable and compassionate society.
Application:
When the government introduces programmes like free healthcare, housing schemes, pensions for the elderly, or subsidies for low-income families, it is acting under Article 38.
Labour laws that ensure fair wages, unemployment benefits, or corporate taxes to prevent monopolies also reflect its mandate. Failure to address poverty, hunger, or growing inequality violates the core intent of this Article.
