Daily Times

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Senator Sirajul Haq’s statement about “secular and liberal lobbies” dominating the political arena after elections is misleading at best. Addressing the Friday congregation at Mansoora, Siraj said no one could turn the country into a secular state because people will always be ready to lay down their lives for Islam and the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The practice of accusing opponents of working on an “anti-Islam” agenda is not new in Pakistan. The term secular is also largely misunderstood or deliberately distorted by some political and religious forces. For starters, secularism does not entail disrespect to religion. It merely advocates separation of religion and politics, which is precisely what Pakistan needs right now. Decades of extremism and terrorism have taken countless lives and the mindset behind such violence continues to thrive. In such an environment, politicians ought to work for tolerance and pluralism in the society rather than stir public emotions. A counter narrative to extremist ideas is needed, and such statements from political leaders are unhelpful.

As a matter of fact, no mainstream political party in Pakistan can be termed secular in the truest sense of the word. Moreover, since the JI chief seemed to refer to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) while making the aforementioned statement, it is important to note that the PTI had never identified itself as a secular or liberal party.

Imran Khan’s election campaign extended support to the controversial Blasphemy Law and criticised Pakistan Muslim League — Nawaz (PML-N) for its alleged role in the amendment to the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat oath from the Election Bill. Khan has also supported talks with the Taliban, for which he was criticised at home and abroad.The PTI chief had also, on one occasion, lashed out at liberals of the country, claiming that they want bloodshed.

Individuals from all parties have been guilty of playing politics on religion. Much has been said about the implications of politicians using divisive and hateful rhetoric to further their agendas. But the practice continues unabated. The JI chief would do well to realise that the electoral loss of religious parties merits some serious introspection.  *

Published in Daily Times, August 5^th 2018.