Laraib Nisar
Pakistan was founded on the basis of the famous ‘Two Nation Theory’, where Muslims of India demanded a country of their own where they can practice their ideological, cultural, and religious values freely. It was the first ‘Islamic Republic’ in the world, and hence sui generis. Another noteworthy element in Pakistan’s ideology was its promise to give religious freedom to the inhabitants. Though the constitution of Pakistan establishes Islam as the state religion, and requires the laws to be consistent with Islam, still the constitution states that “subject to law, public order, and morality, every citizen shall have the right to profess, practice, and propagate his religion” in practice, however, the government hasn’t succeeded in the implementation of this constitutional right provided to all citizens.
Islam being the religion of peace, and an advocate of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion for everyone; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. But unfortunately, these golden Islamic principles are largely ignored in today’s society, and Islam is seen as a violent and intolerant religion by many across the world.
Malign practices like religious extremism, manipulation and misinterpretation of religion for creating disorder and chaos in the society, sectarianism, and religious discrimination are largely observed in the society, and are making the general population violent, intolerant, racist and parochial in nature. This culture is not only effecting the outlook of the society, but also bringing a bad name to Islam as a religion, and the values it imparts. The Non-Muslim countries of the world, particularly the West, has developed an Islamophobia, where individuals and states have feelings of exaggerated fear, hatred, and hostility toward Islam and Muslims, being perpetuated by negative stereotypes resulting in bias, discrimination, and the marginalization and exclusion of Muslims from social, political, and civic life.
The above discussion indicates that to some extent, Muslims themselves urged the rest of the world to develop a fear of Islam, through their aspersive practices. This phobia has harmed Muslim countries, particularly Pakistan in ways beyond our imaginings. This is high time Muslims across the world should transform themselves to portray the real picture of Islam. A united Muslim bloc can revolutionize the global socio-political and economic sectors altogether.
For Pakistan, finding a workable solution to this problem is extremely vital, in order to gain the status of a minority-friendly state. Reforms are required at all levels to achieve this goal. At the individual level, we need to learn and inculcate values like tolerance, non-discrimination, patience, acceptance, and open-mindedness in ourselves and those around us. This can be achieved through reforming the formal and religious education system, bringing curriculum revisions etc. Moreover, at the national level, the government should guarantee the implementation of the rights provided to individuals in the constitution of Pakistan. Additionally, awareness raising programs highlighting the golden principles of Islam in their true sense can play a crucial role not only in reforming the society, but also in portraying a better image of Islam as a religion. Most importantly, religious scholars and clergy have an extremely important role to play in reforming the society through their sermons and teachings. Those found guilty of manipulation and misinterpretation of Islam for their own good and for spreading chaos and violence in the society must be dealt with an iron hand. Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protect religious minorities, saying members of such communities are equal citizens of Pakistan and it is the state’s duty to ensure their safety, appears to be a ray of hope for the minorities, along with showing Pakistan’s commitment to safeguard religious minorities’ rights hence portraying a softer image of Pakistan in front of the world.
The author Laraib Nisar is a Defense and Strategic Studies’ graduate, working as a Research Associate at Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
