Islami Jamhori Itehad and the Politics of Shariah Bil

Abstract

The use of religion, religious notions or religious differences and discrimination in politics is
a global phenomenon also embedded in the roots of Pakistan. It not only remained a major
contributing factor behind the creation of Pakistan but in different phases of its history,
both civil and military political forces have used it for their political gains. In 1988, an
alliance Islami Jamhoori Itehad (IJI) aimed at safeguarding the ideology of Pakistan did the
same. The alliance succeeded in denying the political majority to Pakistan People’s Party
(PPP) in the Punjab by portraying it as anti-Islam but failed to curtail PPP from emerging as
a major party to form government in the centre after the 1988 elections. In the 1990
elections, the IJI won a clear majority and formed the government in the centre. But
resorting to the introduction of Shariah Bill in the parliament exposed the alliance to the
substantial challenges associated with the imposition of Shariah in the complicated
contemporary socio-economic and political realities. The coalition proved both unprepared
and unwilling in the practical implementation of Shariah. Hence the use of the Shariah Bill
and Shariah Act fired back on IJI by harming its public image and unity.