Pakistan Islamic or Secular?

[Ruzaan]

Re: Pakistan Islamic or Secular?

@Aceones

we dont have any decision to make in this regard, decision was made more than 60 years ago. we only need to implement it, actually increase the pace of implementation of this decision.

of course it should be gradual, well calculated, looking at all aspects of stability of the state itself and betterment and welfare of the people.

and let me tell you, more than 80% of Pakistani population does not even know the meaning of what “secular” is, this latest rant of secularism is only fueled by elite class living in few cities, some writers most of whom are on foreign payroll, and ethnic parties (mostly leaders only), and of course as CM said, a bunch of ABCDs who have never lived in Pakistan or hardly ever visit the country.

I agree with that. That seems logical.

But my contention is this: If the middle class ‘elite’, or a fraction thereof, living in your cities is espousing “secularism”, then it is your political class that is espousing secularism.

That is important, because no matter what your electorate says, your ideals, values and goals will be informed by what your political-class does. Because, Pakistan is an imperfect democracy, and I would argue, to a greater degree than India.

To me, the debate is no debate at all: because the issue ought to have been resolved a long time ago. Nevertheless, it still seems to be raging, in part because of what the Taliban have brought upon Pakistan, in part because of how your religious identity has informed foreign politics, and in part because you are ideologically juxtaposed to a nation-state that, while being a Hindu majority, has chosen to be ‘secular’, and from whom the raison d’etre of your separation was a seeming insecurity, or inability to manifest your destiny in a secular state.

To me, Pakistan is an interesting experiment. Because, other countries that have chosen the Islamic path have had either: to relegate their ambition for a good lifestyle; or relegate their character for ambition and a democratic path instead- at least nominally.

Whatever the answer is: it is important for yourselves that it be resolved in a timely fashion. Otherwise, you will see yourselves going in the same loop as you are now.