Ideological Foundations of Pakistan

Meanings and Importance.

Ideology of Pakistan which existed prior to the creation of this country provided ideological basis to the Freedom Movement. In fact, the new state came into being for implementing the ideology as a socio-political reality. Ideology of this country signifies a complete code of life, formulated to meet the new needs in line with the logical requirements and cultural legacy of Islam. Ideology of Pakistan, undoubtedly, portrays a complete system for running the statecraft in a modern age.

Sources.

Islam is the basic source of Ideology which stands, for a complete code of conduct. The name of Islam was fully utilized during Freedom Movement to inspire the people to fight with sacrificial spirit. 'Pakistan Ka matlib Kia, La Elahaliallah' was the most popular slogan raised during that phase. History stands a testimony to this assumption that commitment to Islamic way of life was the primary force behind struggle for freedom. Commitment to Islamic way of life remained intact, at least in convictions, even after the creation of Pakistan. Undoubtedly, the name of Islam was later exploited by different opposition movements to topple down different autocratic and secular regimes in the country.

Islam as an ideology portrays guiding principles in all directions to all people of all ages. It has full potentialities to accommodate necessary changes -and adjustments within the limits of Sharia. Islam is not merely a dogma or an aggregation of some rituals or customs but was translated into practice during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) and the Pious Caliphs. That ideal model of Islamic polity provides guideline to the succeeding generations.

Every age and every nation has its own political history, structures, value system and processes that must be given due consideration in the indoctrination of new values. Hence the second source of ideology of Pakistan is the cultural, social and political legacy of the Indian Muslims. For example, Two Nations Theory, from political point of view, is an important source of this ideology. There is every possibility that Two Nation Theory may not have the same force in the Islamic Ideology of another Muslim Country, as certain other factors may be more imperative for that system.

Parliamentary system gets a significant place in the political legacy of Pakistani people and almost all
political parties of Pakistan have consensus over this issue. Similarly, Muslims of the sub-continent evolved a distinct culture and pattern of life bearing deep imprints of Islamic civilization. Regional conditions and environmental settings however, also shaped its form and outlook. The clear exposition and symbols are distinct Muslim Culture and Urdu language

Determinants.

Political ideology commands a very important position in every system of life, as its real objective can be realized by the implementation of its tenets through state machinery. An important source of the political aspect of Ideology of Pakistan is the teachings and sayings of Allama lqbal and Quaid-e-Azam. Both these leaders gave an impetus to the Pakistan Movement in the light of Islamic teachings. Every political ideology regards the ideals of its great leaders as determinants in shaping national goals. After the creation of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam, in his speeches and statements, categorically announced that Islamic system would be implemented in Pakistan. He vehemently condemned parochial, racial and regional discrimination and set Unity, Faith and Discipline as the national symbols. Hence the views of Quaid-e-Azam are given proper importance in determining the national goals.

Likewise, Allama lqbal explained Two Nations Theory in the most explicit, intelligible and logical manner, which acted as a source of inspiration to the struggle for independence. He also set national goals for the newly emerging order and gave a workable plan of action for the future. Allama lqbal portrayed socio-economic and political concepts of Islam in a logical and consistent manner, which were to be translated into practice in the new state. In one of his famous lectures entitled 'Principles of Movement in the Structure of Islam', lqbal laid much emphasis on the point that Islamic law can meet the needs of all people at all times. The only need, from his stand point, is to present the ideals of Islam in a practical and consistent way. In this context, he emphasized the use of 'Ijtihad' in Islamic law.

Allama lqbal tried to convince the educated classes of the Muslims having a Western orientation, about the supremacy of Islamic system. These people generally under-estimated Islam and regarded it as a matter of private life that had nothing to do with socio-economic and political realities. He reminded the Muslim 'Milla' of their glorious past and explained the defects of the Western Civilization, which had, in fact, dazzled their eyes by its technological advancements. It was a strong conviction of Iqbal that Islam fully satisfies spiritual and material urge of mankind. As a true ideologue, Iqbal analysed the past, gave a plan of action to the contemporary Muslims and predicted for the future. In short, Iqbal's teachings provided an explicit understanding of the Ideology of Pakistan.

Concrete Reality.

Ideology of Pakistan portrays basic and guiding principles in all directions to construct Pakistani society on new lines, as it is based on Islam which is a complete code of life. It has its own objectives, value system, structures, and institutions. Urdu as a national language is the repository of its cultural heritage, while it has its own war heroes, ideologues and cultural symbols that act as source of popular inspiration.

Tuesday, 28 August 2018

Ideological Foundations of Pakistan - Constitutional Development