Provision:
Oath of President
Before entering upon office, the President shall take an oath in the form set out in the Third Schedule of the Constitution.
The oath affirms that the President will:
- Discharge duties honestly, in accordance with the Constitution and law.
- Strive to preserve the Islamic ideology, sovereignty, and integrity of Pakistan.
- Serve Pakistan and act in its best interests.
- Not allow personal interests to influence official decisions.
Meaning:
Article 42 ensures that the President formally commits to upholding the Constitution and serving the nation before assuming office. The oath signifies accountability and adherence to constitutional principles, including loyalty to the State and its Islamic foundations.
This provision reflects the importance of integrity and constitutional supremacy in the highest office of the country.
Application:
Before taking office, the newly elected President recites the oath before the Chief Justice of Pakistan. If the President acts contrary to this oath—such as violating the Constitution or abusing power—they can be held accountable through constitutional mechanisms like impeachment under Article 47.
The oath serves as a guiding principle for the President’s conduct throughout their term.
