ANALYSING THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Religion and politics are two different domains but are correlated in Pakistan. Its roots can be traced from colonial India where religion had been used to legitimize political actions and energize the public to boost movements. Pakistan being an ideological state prioritises Islam in all functional institutions and politics remained its epicenter right from the Objective Resolution (1949) which raised the question of minority’s rights. Later, Bhutto’s Islamic Socialism, Zia’s Islamisation, Moderate Civilian rule and Musharraf’s Enlightened Moderation make the situation even more complex and engendered intolerance and radical approach which resulted in the tragic incident of Lal Masjid and emergence of Pakistan Awami Tahreek and Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan. Where the real religious issues were left behind and cosmetic approach and engineered religious leaders directed the general masses that damaged the social fabric of society.