How successful have governments been in the Islamisation of Pakistan between 1947 and 1988? Explain your answer. [14] (Past Paper, November 2009: Q5/c)

The Objectives Resolution, passed in March 1949, made it clear that the constitution of Pakistan would be based on Islamic laws of social justice, equality and religious freedom. These provisions were not enough to satisfy the religious wings of the country. They wanted complete implementation of the Shariah Laws. Together with other reasons, the resolution was withdrawn in November 1950 for further considerations.

 When the first constitution of Pakistan was prepared in 1956, it changed the name of Pakistan to Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Religious Advisory Board was retained for monitoring the legislation. The religious scholars would ensure conformity of new laws with the Quran and Sunnah.

Ayub Khan was a bit liberal. He introduced Muslim Family Laws Ordinance according to which marriages and divorces were to be registered and minimum age limits were defined for marriage. In spite of opposition from religious wings, these laws were imposed. He established Advisory Council of Islamic Ideology to advise him the religious aspects of policies. He also founded Islamic Research Institute. But these institutes were just symbolic; he never welcomed their proposals.

In the 1973 constitution, Islam was declared to be state religion. The president and the prime minister were to be Muslims and they must believe in the finality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). But no consideration was given to full implementation of Shariah Laws. After the 1977 elections when Pakistan National Alliance was protesting on the roads against rigging, he tried to appease the religious factions by banning gambling, restricting sale of alcohol and declaring Friday to be the weekly holiday. These were just desperate actions.

General Zia ul Haq tried to be a pro-Islamic leader. He established Federal Shariat Court in 1979 to consider conformity of existing laws and judgments with Islamic laws. He introduced Hudood Ordinances giving Islamic punishments to people involved in drinking, gambling, theft and adultery. He also introduced the Council of Islamic Ideology to suggest ways for bringing the legal system closer to Islamic ideology. Zakat and Ushr Ordinance was introduced imposing 2.5% wealth tax and 5% tax on agricultural income respectively. To give an Islamic color to Pakistan’s society, Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies were made compulsory subjects in the schools and colleges. Memorizers of the Holy Quran were given extra marks in the Civil Service examinations. Arabic language was promoted through TV and Radio programs. No woman was allowed to appear on the TV without scarf.

But there were a number of weak sides of Zia’s Islamisation program. Only a small part of Islamic Legal System was enforced. There were misappropriations of Zakat fund, the Federal Shariat Court could not replace the Pakistan Penal Code, Ushr was not taken from landowners and Islamic punishments were rarely exercised.

When it comes to conclusion, it can be said that the governments have not been successful in the Islamisation of Pakistan between 1947 and 1988. Some laws seem to be implemented under pressure from certain circles, and once announced, no serious efforts have been made to implement them in true sense.