The Popular Response to Islamization

In the northern parts of the Indian sub-continent, Islam developed within the context of other, deeply entrenched belief systems and cultural practices and was strongly influenced by Sufism. As a result, while Pakistani culture is undeniably Islamic, it is distinct from those of other Muslim countries by virtue, firstly, of its less puritanical and orthodox nature, secondly, because of the diversity of religious beliefs and practices obtaining in different regions of the country, and finally, because it has failed to achieve an egalitarian society by dismantling the caste, clan and class affiliations which remain fundamental to Pakistani society.

For these reasons, "the great Islamic debate" created by politicians' attempts to re-define and exploit religion was never taken up at the popular level. The heavy-handed imposition of fundamentalist doctrine during Zia's regime, the resulting rise in violence and intolerance and the mushrooming of corruption at every level of society have further alienated many. Previously, those who argued against an Islamic state, most of whom were socialists, were reviled as heretics and/or traitors. The most recent exponents of secularism argue on the basis of promoting human rights and democratic values. Meanwhile, extremists continue to find willing converts among those who despair of a political solution to their socio-economic marginalization.