Times of Ahmad: Perspective: Taliban in Pakistan Constitution

What makes the Taliban think that Shariah, or their version of it, can be implemented so easily in Pakistan? Are we in the same league as them?

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Author / Ahmadiyya Times
By Friend of Ahmadiyya Times | January 17, 2015

We hate the Taliban because they’re a group of religious fanatics that use their interpretation of Islam to justify violence against humanity; that they are strict in their belief and have absolutely no tolerance for debate, discussion or worse, criticism. They impose themselves and their beliefs upon other people with complete disregard to the social good of society. They are evil in their ways because they celebrate oppression and murder with much pride, all in the name of God. But we disregard their views claiming they have misinterpreted religion. Why? Because we believe Islam is a tolerant and peaceful religion.

But lets turn around our scope of criticism and look at our own country. What makes the Taliban think that Shariah, or their version of it, can be implemented so easily in Pakistan? Are we in the same league as them?

The truth of the matter is that the extremism and religious fundamentalism not only exists in parts of our society, but within the constitution of our country. These aforementioned laws work the way the Taliban works; violence against humanity in the name of religion.

Take, for example, article 298 B. and C of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1960)

298-B. Misuse of epithets, descriptions and titles, etc., reserved for certain holy personages or places:

(1) Any person of the Quadiani group or the Lahori group (who call themselves 'Ahmadis' or by any other name who by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation-

(a) refers to or addresses, any person, other than a Caliph or companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as "Ameer-ul-Mumineen", "Khalifatul- Mumineen", Khalifa-tul-Muslimeen", "Sahaabi" or "Razi Allah Anho";
(b) refers to, or addresses, any person, other than a wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as "Ummul-Mumineen";
(c) refers to, or addresses, any person, other than a member of the family "Ahle-bait" of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as "Ahle-bait"; or
(d) refers to, or names, or calls, his place of worship a "Masjid";
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

(2) Any person of the Qaudiani group or Lahori group (who call themselves "Ahmadis" or by any other name) who by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation refers to the mode or form of call to prayers followed by his faith as "Azan", or recites Azan as used by the Muslims, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

As if declaring Ahmadi’s non-Muslims were not enough. Our constitution singles out this particular minority and discriminates against them. Promulgated by Z.A Bhutto to please Islamist pressure groups at the time, this law has not contributed to the peace and progress of Pakistan. Instead, it has only served to alienate the Ahmadi community (which produced Pakistan’s first Nobel laureate, Dr Abdus Salam) in Pakistan and triggered a diaspora of Ahmadi’s most of who have settled abroad with anti Pakistan sentiments in their heart. Our constitution is doing what the Taliban are doing; justifying oppression in the name of religion. If the Taliban can justify the beheading of journalists in the name of Jihad, are we not justifying oppression of this community in the name of Islam?

Then there is the infamous blaspheme law.

295-C. Use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet:

Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.

This law was inserted by General Zia-Ul Haq in 1986 as part of his islamisation program. After his demise, the only attempt to repeal this law was met with the murder of Governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer. What good does this law serve? Is this law not another excuse for oppression and discrimination in the name of Islam?

Article 295.C discriminates against minorities, threatening them with death and life imprisonment if they commit blaspheme against Islam. All religions in one way or another contradict one another and therefore it is highly likely that one’s religious practices may be considered sacrilegious by someone belonging to a different religion. In most cases this law is used by Muslims to threaten minorities and settle personal scores. Not unlike article 298 B and C, this law also has only managed to alienate the religious minorities in Pakistan many of whom are sitting in jails awaiting trials for their alleged blaspheme. Is our constitution, like the Taliban, not using religion to justify discrimination and oppression?

Given the recent and horrific acts of violence that the Taliban have overwhelmed our country. I think its safe to assume that we as a nation, despite our differences and disputes, stand against the Taliban. It is always at the darkest hour that some things seem clear and stark and we should use this hour, to introspect and understand how we, like the Taliban, are using religion to justify violence and oppression. We must ask ourselves, What good have we achieved through these laws? Do these laws portray Islam as a peaceful and tolerant religion for the rest of the world to follow? And how does Pakistan benefit from these laws?

If we don’t, then not only are we doing a disservice to Islam as a religion, but to humanity.

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Author is majoring in Political Science at the Lahore School of Economics.

-- Perspective: Taliban in Pakistan Constitution

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