Nexus between Religion and Politics in Pakistan: Examining the Role of Religio-Political Parties in Islamization of the Constitutions

Abstract

Religion has played an important role in various polities in the world. The role varies depending upon the religious, cultural, and political context. In the case of Pakistan, the impact of religious flag-bearer political parties has been tremendous, and particularly so in the domain of constitutions formulation. This paper attempts to describe and analyze the role of religio-political parties (RPPs) in Islamization in Pakistan. In order to understand the historical relationship between religion and politics, the study focuses on the role of RPPs in Islamization of constitutions of Pakistan. The research method adopted for the study is descriptive and analytical. The research highlights that the process of Islamization in Pakistan has been heavily influenced by historical crises that created the conducive atmosphere for the application of religion as a tool for securing political legitimacy. Research indicates that RPPs have played their role in the Islamization of the constitution-making process out of the shrinking space that RPPs have faced since the inception of Pakistan. The greater the threat perceived by the RPPs to their political legitimacy, the greater effort those parties put to sustain and grow their influence. They attempted to do so through Islamization of constitutions; often successfully. The interplay of religion and politics presents an interesting case in the constitutional development of Pakistan. The study indicates that the RPPs have consistently advanced the Islamic provisions in the constitutions. Simultaneously, they have also used this success as an instrument of political legitimacy. However, this role and influence of RPPs has certain important implications for the state and society.