Politics and religion are closely related and they have a big impact on how society and governments operate all over the world. Pakistani politicians and political parties have used religious narratives to sway the public’s perceptions. Political views, policies, and voting trends are frequently influenced by religious beliefs, making the relationship between religion and politics complex. Religion offers a moral code that directs people and societies, affecting how they view right and evil.
Additionally, religious groups can function as strong interest groups that can galvanize support for particular political goals. However, when religion is politicized, negative outcomes might result. When religious stories are used for political gain, it frequently leads to societal divisiveness, prejudice, and even violence. Manipulating religious beliefs has the potential to stoke sectarian strife, divide communities, and threaten democratic ideals.
Pakistan`s political history is the best judge as to how and why the religious card was used efficiently. Prominent figures of different parties have effectively employed religious narratives to shape public opinion. The religious card was used twice against the election of women as Head of the State and the government, first, when, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah contested the presidential elections in the 1960s against Ayub Khan. Likewise, in the elections of 1988, Nawaz Sharif leading Islami Jamhoori Ittehad also used the same card against Benazir Bhutto by raising the issue that a woman cannot lead a Muslim country as per Islamic teachings. To gain huge public support and to attract a larger audience, PPP amended its slogan from “socialism to Islami socialism”.
After 9/11, the religious parties exploited the US-led coalition attack on Afghanistan in its favor and as a result, Muttahida-e-Amal (MMA) won elections in KP and also emerged as the second biggest party in urban Sindh. Parties engage religious citizens by portraying their policies as being in line with their values and beliefs. For example, Imran Khan has developed a solid support base because of the effective use of religious tales, especially among Pakistan’s more orthodox religious groups. His speech at the UNO about Islamophobia has clinched the hearts of his religious voters.
Nonetheless, political leaders’ use of religious discourse can have both advantageous and negative effects. On the plus side, it can promote a sense of Islamic identity, offering a unifying framework for integration in both culture and society. Religious principles can motivate people to take part in charitable giving, social action, and community improvement, all of which benefit society. However, worries about the impediment to progressive social reforms have been voiced. Parties manipulate religion as a tool to gain power. Religious conservatives’ excessive influence can obstruct the progress of individual liberties. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) is another notable example of how politics and religion connect in Pakistan.
This conservative religious party has successfully influenced public opinion and attained political power by utilizing religious tales. The party pushes for policies that are in line with its interpretation of Islam and places a strong emphasis on the application of Sharia law. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) has retained a sizable position in Pakistan’s political landscape by forming partnerships with religious leaders and taking advantage of their influence in the religious community. Similarly, the rise of Allama Khadim Rizvi and his Tehreek-e-Labbaik Ya Rasul Allah set a religious tone in politics, Faizabad dharna and the way he used religious card in 2017 not only damaged the PML-N position in the 2018 elections but also the MQM-P in Karachi as TLP candidates polled votes between 40 to 60 thousand. Though they did not win many seats, they succeeded in damaging PML-N and MQM-P. Also, Shia Muslim rival parties always used religious and ethnic slogans and enjoyed all kinds of support from each side.
The interaction of politics and religion in Pakistan has a significant impact. Religious narratives can be used to gain support, advance social welfare, and put Islamic beliefs into practice in policy. However, it can raise concerns about the potential marginalization of religious groups. The rights and liberties of minority communities may be hampered if extremist religious narratives are given precedence in political discourse. It might obstruct advancement in areas like human rights and gender equality. The disproportionate influence of religious conservatives can hinder the development of a more inclusive and egalitarian society. The tactics used by different politicians as examples of the junction of religion and politics in Pakistan have a profound impact on society.
Religious stories can strengthen a person’s feeling of Islamic identity and advance social welfare but they can also be problematic for minority rights and slow down progressive social reforms as sometimes in the recent past of Pakistani history religious slogans were raised just to keep the rivals under pressure.
Pakistan must achieve a delicate balance that respects religious freedom, safeguards minority rights, and upholds democratic norms in order to manage the complexities of religion and politics. Political leaders should be aware of the potential repercussions of exploiting religious myths for political advantage and make sure that all citizens will benefit from their initiatives. A more tolerant and pluralistic society can be developed by encouraging interfaith conversation, increasing understanding amongst various religious communities, and having productive dialogues. Pakistan should make use of the advantages of the nexus between religion and politics while minimizing the hazards connected with its politicization by embracing variety and preserving the ideals of justice, equality, and social peace.
Additionally, it is crucial to promote independent research and critical thinking among the general public. Instead of relying simply on religious connections, citizens should be able to evaluate political rhetoric and policy proposals on the basis of their merits. A well-informed electorate that respects the rights of all people and cherishes pluralism can contribute to a healthier and more robust democratic process. Moving forward, Pakistan should strive for a political landscape that respects the principles of democracy, promotes social justice, and safeguards the rights and freedoms of all its citizens, regardless of their religious backgrounds. By adopting a balanced approach and fostering dialogue and understanding, Pakistan can navigate the intersection of religions and politics in a manner that promotes unity, inclusivity, and progress.
Although there are both positive and negative effects of the intersection between religion and politics in Pakistan, it is vital to prevent the exploitation of religious narratives for political advantage at the price of minority rights and socioeconomic advancement. Striving for a society that respects religious freedom, fosters interfaith harmony, and upholds democratic principles is key to achieving a prosperous and inclusive Pakistan.
