Daily Times

Sir: No doubt religion is still the dominating discourse in Pakistan’s social and political circles. It’s evident that the civil-military junta have always used religion to counter political and social emotions of the masses. The Imam-e-Kaaba’s hasty visit must be seen in that context. Musharraf used to claim that he is moving forward to separate religion from the state, but evidence dose not match his words. The Imam’s visit was sponsored by the government and facilitated by the PMLQ. During his visit, the Imam refrained from talking on important issues of justice, equality before the law, and human rights.

In the future the PMLQ will use the Imam’s influence for its election campaign, and PMLQ leaders’ pictures will be seen on billboards and election posters standing side by side with Imam-e-Kaaba. The illiterate citizenry of Pakistan will be maligned into voting for candidates blessed by the Imam. The JUIF in Balochistan and NWFP has used a book as its election symbol, comparing it with the holy Quran and exploiting people’s religious affiliations for its own political agenda. The League is no different.
ASAD AMIN
Via email