The Role of Religion in Pakistan’s Political System: A Historical and Contemporary Analysis

Abstract

Since its very creation, religion has played a critical role in shaping Pakistan's political scene. Based on the premise of a separate Muslim identity, the religion became one of the core components of Pakistan's national and political architecture. From the Objectives Resolution of 1949 to present debates on Islamic laws, the imprint of religion has been ingrained into the governing structures of this country through and through. The present paper studies the historical and contemporary ties between religion and politics in Pakistan and their influence on policymaking, democratic development, and minority rights. Background analysis will be performed within the context of the history of the role of religion in the making of Pakistan and its entrenchment into the state apparatus, affecting the legal systems. Socio-political effects of this religious involvement-sectarianism or interfaith conflicts-will also be discussed, alongside the way this encompasses and challenges religious identity vis-a-vis democratic governance. The study's intention is thus to harmonize an understanding of historical and present trends and to undertake a comprehensive analysis of how the religion continues to play a role in Pakistan's political system while considering the implications it carries for the future.

Keywords: Religion, Pakistan’s Political System, Historical, Contemporary Analysis