DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate and understand the reasons why Islamic extremism under Zia ul Haq gained greater ground in Pakistan than it did in Bangladesh.

Methodology

Comparative analysis of Islamization processes in Pakistan and Bangladesh under the military regimes of Zia ul Haq and Ziaur Rehman, respectively. The study examines the concepts, considerations, impacts, resolutions, needs, boundaries, and constraints faced by these leaders. It also tests the hypothesis that military regimes are inherently unstable due to a lack of political abilities in their leaders.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Identify Leaders and Countries"] --> B["Analyze Islamization Processes"];
    B --> C["Examine Concepts, Considerations, Impacts"];
    C --> D["Test Hypothesis on Military Regime Stability"];
    D --> E["Compare Islamization in Pakistan and Bangladesh"];
    E --> F["Analyze Findings on Extremism and Violence"];
    F --> G["Formulate Conclusions on Political Use of Islam"];                    

Discussion

The study argues that rulers like Zia used popular support gained in the name of Islamic order to consolidate their rule. It highlights a lack of researchers and jurists capable of interpreting Islamic law appropriately for the context. The use of Islam as a political weapon by the Ulema led to serious consequences. Pakistan's civilian and military governments continue to use Islam as a political tool, ignoring the will of the people. The Islamization under Zia ul Haq is considered a turning point, characterized by the adoption of secular ideas and implementation failures. The idea that Islam was used during this military era for practical goals like American support for Afghanistan, terrorism, and a divided Russia is widely accepted.

Key Findings

Military dictatorships under General Zia ul Haq and General Zia ur Rahman were accountable for genocide due to an extreme fear of Islamic culture. Both leaders embraced Islam to seek legitimacy, which aided their immediate political goals but resulted in long-lasting effects of Islamic extremism and violence in both countries. Pakistan suffered more under military administration due to its strategic location and sensitivity to foreign forces. Zia ul Haq's Islamization drive, with the help of the United States and Saudi Arabia, led to a sectarian crisis in Pakistan.

Conclusion

Islamization efforts in Pakistan and Bangladesh, particularly under Zia ul Haq and Ziaur Rehman, were largely driven by political expediency to legitimize military rule. While these regimes introduced Islamic principles into various aspects of governance and society, these efforts were often characterized by the adoption of secular ideas and ultimately failed in their implementation, leading to increased extremism and violence. The study concludes that Islam has been used as a political tool by ruling elites in both nations, with significant and often negative consequences.

Fact Check

- General Zia ul Haq ruled Pakistan from 1977 to 1988. (Confirmed by text)
- The Hudood Ordinances were implemented in Pakistan in 1979. (Confirmed by text)
- In 1988, the constitution of Bangladesh was amended to declare Islam as the state religion. (Confirmed by text)

Mind Map