Religion is something which is politicized as much as elections in our country. Dreamed to be a secular, liberal and dynamic state by the founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, soon after independence we had a Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
The first question would be why only one particular religion? Why not a council for Christian Ideology or Council of Hindu Ideology. Agreed that they are less in numbers but if the government has made it an obligation to consider religion in state policy then let’s consider all of them without any discrimination. Plus being less in number makes them already marginalized so they need special protection.
Even if you still insist on having a CII then make sure that the person who heads it must be someone conscious of what comparative religion is and must not be associated with any party or ideology that has a tendency to force their version of religion. The appointment of JUI senator Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani as Council of Islamic Ideology chairman seems inexplicable.
Being spoiled with the menace of terrorism, the need of the day was to appoint someone neutral, balanced and liberal in his approach towards religion. Any institute which threatens to initiate death to ‘religious intellectualism’ needs to be checked. By such steps Pakistan can be threatened by the same ‘Islamization’ process which it endured in Zia era. History repeats itself, very tragically.
No matter how many times we stress the fact that religion is not a state’s responsibility, some people just won’t listen. History does repeat itself tragically, rightly said I guess.
The intuitions such as Shariat courts and council of Islamic interests are a burden on Tax payer’s money. Why do we need such bodies when there is a constitution in place and the courts are functional? Politics and religion are two separate domains and this segregation is crucial for the state. Unless we do so the clergy will keep interfering in public issues
Reliisous tolerance has always been a major issue in Pakistan. The recent example of the Ahmedia mosques can be an example. So many years have passed and yet we fail to give minorities their rights.
Reliigon is something that should not be politicized. Religion and politics shall not mix otherwise the result would be a state like Pakistan where the masses suffer. Good post.
I would agree with Rashid saleem, the above comment. Some people are not ready to face a change I guess. Religion and politics shall not be mixed otherwise the result would be a failed state.