Hazara Islamicus (Jun 2014)
The Problem of Islamization in Pakistan: A Policy Perspective
Abstract
The issue of incorporation of Islamic provisions in the constitutional, legal, economic, socio-political order as well as policy structures of the Government of Pakistan emerged on the policy agenda in the last years of Pakistan movement and immediately after independence. This issued, commonly known as ‘Islamization’, however, remained a hotly debated topic. The paper in hand aims at analyzing the dynamics of Islamizaion, as a policy perspective, with view to identifying the direction of policy debate that should take place in the policy-making institutions about this issue. The paper argues that Islam, as a way of life and the embodiment of universal human values of social justice, tolerance, equity and fair play, was undoubtedly the most motivating and inspiring factor in the struggle for creation of Pakistan. It was visualized by the founding fathers of Pakistan that despite the fact that Islamic sciences have been suffering from ossification and stagnation spreading over centuries, Islam could still emerge as a dynamic system of life, which should help human beings to rid themselves of perpetual hatred, exploitation and bloodshed. It was also believed that the enormity of the task of re-construction of Islamic thought notwithstanding, it would not be beyond the resources of Pakistan to convert itself into model Islamic welfare state, where all citizens, irrespective of their caste, colour, language or creed, would live in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual accommodation. However, both the policy-makers and academia could not come up to embrace this challenge and evolve a system of education, which should have been representing a fine blend of the best practices in Eastern and Western sources of knowledge, and socio-economic and geo-political developments. The paper further pleads that a lot of ground has already been covered as far as evolution of balanced constitutional and legal structures are concerned. The policy debate in connection with the issue of Islamization should, therefore, be directed towards the promotion of a society which should be more tolerant, just, equitable and prosperous. It would, in turn require the evolution of a balanced and uniform system of education, in which the existing religious stream of education i.e. ‘Madaris’ should also be integrated.
